System and method for recompressing round bales into square bales

ABSTRACT

A system for recompressing a round bale into a square bale includes a bottom platen to receive the round bale and a movable platen translatable relative to the bottom platen. The system includes an upper platen rotatable relative to the bottom platen. The upper platen is rotatable between a first position to receive the round bale between the bottom platen, the movable platen and the upper platen, and a second position in which the upper platen cooperates with the movable platen and the bottom platen to recompress the round bale into the square bale.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/566,717, filed on Oct. 2, 2017, which is incorporated herein byreference.

STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates to crop-packaging devices, such as round balers,and to a system and method for recompressing a round bale into a squarebale.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

In various settings, crops or other material may be arranged for pick-upby mechanized equipment. For example, cut material (e.g., hay) in afield may be raked or otherwise arranged into windrows in the field forfurther processing. Various mechanisms may then be utilized to gathersuch material. For example, a crop-packaging device such as a roundbaler may be pulled by a tractor along a windrow of cut material and maygather the material from the windrow. The material may then be passedinto a packaging (e.g., baling) chamber for formation into a croppackage (e.g., a bale). In various configurations, such a crop packagemay be generally cylindrical in shape and may be typically referred toas a “round” bale. Similarly, a baler that forms a round bale may bereferred to as a “round” baler.

In certain instances, it is desirable to load one or more round balesonto a truck for transport. In these instances, due to the shape of theround bale and the rectangular shape of a bed or trailer of the truck,the number of round bales that may be transported is reduced.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure provides a system and method for recompressing a roundbale into a square bale for a round baler, which, for example, may allowfor more efficient transportation of bales by a bed or trailer of atruck.

In one aspect the disclosure provides a system for recompressing a roundbale into a square bale. The system includes a bottom platen to receivethe round bale and a movable platen translatable relative to the bottomplaten. The system includes an upper platen rotatable relative to thebottom platen. The upper platen is rotatable between a first position toreceive the round bale between the bottom platen, the movable platen andthe upper platen, and a second position in which the upper platencooperates with the movable platen and the bottom platen to recompressthe round bale into the square bale.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method for recompressing around bale into a square bale. The method includes receiving a roundbale on a bottom platen and actuating, by a first actuator, an upperplaten to rotate the upper platen toward the bottom platen from a firstposition to a second position. The method includes actuating, by asecond actuator, a movable platen to move the movable platen toward aportion of the upper platen to recompress the round bale into a squarebale.

In yet another aspect, the disclosure provides a round baler. The roundbaler includes a baling chamber that forms a round bale. The round balerincludes a transfer table that receives the round bale from the balingchamber. The round baler includes a bottom platen coupled to thetransfer table to receive the round bale, and a movable platentranslatable relative to the bottom platen. The round baler includes anupper platen rotatable relative to the bottom platen. The upper platenis rotatable between a first position that receives the round balebetween the movable platen, the bottom platen and the upper platen, anda second position in which the upper platen cooperates with the movableplaten and the bottom platen to recompress the round bale into thesquare bale.

The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanyingdrawings and the description below. Other features and advantages willbecome apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of an example work vehicle in the form of anagricultural tractor, which includes an example crop-packaging device,such as a baler, having a bale recompression system according to variousembodiments of this disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a first side of the balerecompression system of FIG. 1, which illustrates upper platens of botha first platen system and a second platen system of the balerecompression system in a first position and a formed round balereceived on a bale accumulator of the bale recompression system;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the bale recompression system ofFIG. 1, which illustrates upper platens of both the first platen systemand the second platen system of the bale recompression system in a firstposition;

FIG. 4 is a detail view of the bale accumulator of the balerecompression system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a second side of the balerecompression system of FIG. 1, which illustrates upper platens of boththe first platen system and the second platen system of the balerecompression system in the first position and the formed round balereceived on the bale accumulator;

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the second side of the balerecompression system of FIG. 1, which illustrates upper platens of boththe first platen system and the second platen system of the balerecompression system in the first position and the formed round balereceived on a bottom platen of the first platen system;

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the first side of the balerecompression system of FIG. 1, which illustrates the upper platen ofthe first platen system in a position between the first position and asecond position, and the upper platen of the second platen system in thefirst position;

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the first side of the balerecompression system of FIG. 1, which illustrates the upper platen ofthe first platen system in the second position, and a second formedround bale received on a bottom platen of the second platen system withthe upper platen of the second platen system in the first position;

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the first side of the balerecompression system of FIG. 1, which illustrates a first square baleand a second square bale formed by the first platen system and thesecond platen system, which are banded by wrap material received througha banding unit associated with each of the first platen system and thesecond platen system and the bottom platens of each of the first platensystem and the second platen system are in a first recompressionposition;

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the first side of the balerecompression system of FIG. 1, which illustrates the bottom platens ofeach of the first platen system and the second platen system in a seconddischarge position to deposit the first square bale and the secondsquare bale on a ground surface;

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the first side of the balerecompression system of FIG. 1, which illustrates a third formed roundbale received on the bale accumulator, and the first square bale and thesecond square bale on the respective one of the bottom platens of eachof the first platen system and the second platen system;

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the first side of the balerecompression system of FIG. 1, which illustrates the third formed roundbale ejecting the first square bale from the bottom platen of the firstplaten system to deposit the first square bale on the ground surface;

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of an example bale recompressionsystem, which illustrates upper platens of both the first platen systemand the second platen system of the bale recompression system in a firstposition and an example actuation system for the both the first platensystem and the second platen system;

FIG. 13A is a detail front perspective of the actuation system of thebale recompression system of FIG. 13, with the upper platen in the firstposition;

FIG. 13B is a detail front perspective of the actuation system of thebale recompression system of FIG. 13, with the upper platen in thesecond position;

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of an example bale recompressionsystem, which illustrates upper platens of both the first platen systemand the second platen system of the bale recompression system in a firstposition and an example actuation system for the both the first platensystem and the second platen system;

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of an example bale recompressionsystem, which illustrates upper platens of both the first platen systemand the second platen system of the bale recompression system in a firstposition and an example actuation system for the both the first platensystem and the second platen system;

FIG. 16 is a rear perspective view of an example crop-packaging device,such as a baler, having a bale recompression system according to variousembodiments of this disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a side perspective view of an example crop-packaging device,such as a baler, having a bale recompression system according to variousembodiments of this disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of the bale recompression system ofFIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a rear perspective view of a portion of an actuation systemfor the bale recompression system of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a partially exploded view of the portion of the actuationsystem of FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of bale recompression system of FIG.17, in which a round bale has been discharged from the baler and movedby a transfer table into a first platen system for recompression;

FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of bale recompression system of FIG.17, in which a round bale received within the first platen system forrecompression, with an upper platen of the first platen system in afirst position and a movable platen of the first platen system in afirst position;

FIG. 23 is a front perspective view of bale recompression system of FIG.17, in which the upper platen has been rotated from the first positionto a second position, and the movable platen is in the first position;

FIG. 24 is a front perspective view of bale recompression system of FIG.17, in which the upper platen has been rotated from the first positionto a second position, and the movable platen has been moved from thefirst position to the second position to recompress the round bale intoa square bale;

FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of bale recompression system of FIG.17, in a pusher of a bale accumulator has been actuated to remove thesquare bale from the bale recompression system;

FIG. 26 is a front perspective view of bale recompression system of FIG.17, in which the pusher of the bale accumulator has moved the squarebale into a bale accumulator wing, and the upper platen has been rotatedfrom the second position to the first position;

FIG. 27 is a front perspective view of bale recompression system of FIG.17, in which the movable platen has been rotated from the secondposition to the first position such that the bale recompression systemmay receive another round bale from the baler;

FIG. 28 is a functional block diagram illustrating the baler having thebale recompression system of FIG. 17 and a bale accumulator system inaccordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 29 is a dataflow diagram illustrating the bale accumulator systemof the baler and bale recompression system of FIG. 28, in accordancewith various embodiments;

FIGS. 30A-30D illustrate the bale accumulator system of the baler andbale recompression system of FIG. 28 controlling a position of themovable platen to operate the bale recompression system as a baleaccumulator;

FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating a control method that may beperformed by the bale accumulator system of the baler and balerecompression system of FIG. 28, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 32 is a continuation of the flowchart of FIG. 31;

FIG. 33A is a side view of an example crop-packaging device, such as abaler, having a bale recompression system with an arcuate transfer tableaccording to various embodiments of this disclosure, with an upperplaten of a first platen system in a first position and the transfertable in a first position;

FIG. 33B is a side view of the bale recompression system of FIG. 33A,with the upper platen of the first platen system in the first positionand the transfer table moved from the first position to a secondposition;

FIG. 33C is a side view of the bale recompression system of FIG. 33A,with the upper platen of the first platen system moved from the firstposition to a second position, and the transfer table moved from thesecond position to the first position;

FIG. 34A is a side view of an example crop-packaging device, such as abaler, having a bale recompression system with a planar transfer tableaccording to various embodiments of this disclosure, with an upperplaten of a first platen system in a first position and the transfertable in a first position;

FIG. 34B is a side view of the bale recompression system of FIG. 34A,with the upper platen of the first platen system in the first positionand the transfer table moved from the first position to a secondposition;

FIG. 34C is a side view of the bale recompression system of FIG. 34A,with the upper platen of the first platen system moved from the firstposition to a second position, and the transfer table moved from thesecond position to the first position;

FIG. 35 is a perspective of another example embodiment of a balerecompression system according to this disclosure;

FIGS. 36A and 36B are side views of an example crop-packaging device,such as a baler, having a bale recompression system as shown in FIG. 35with a load-bearing arcuate transfer table according to variousembodiments of this disclosure, with an upper platen of a first platensystem in different positions; and

FIGS. 37 and 38 are partial perspective and side views, respectively,showing a crop shield arrangement.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following describes one or more example embodiments of the disclosedmethod and system for recompressing a round bale into a square bale, asshown in the accompanying figures of the drawings described brieflyabove. Various modifications to the example embodiments may becontemplated by one of skill in the art.

As used herein, unless otherwise limited or modified, lists withelements that are separated by conjunctive terms (e.g., “and”) and thatare also preceded by the phrase “one or more of” or “at least one of”indicate configurations or arrangements that potentially includeindividual elements of the list, or any combination thereof. Forexample, “at least one of A, B, and C” or “one or more of A, B, and C”indicates the possibilities of only A, only B, only C, or anycombination of two or more of A, B, and C (e.g., A and B; B and C; A andC; or A, B, and C).

As used herein, the term module refers to any hardware, software,firmware, electronic control component, processing logic, and/orprocessor device, individually or in any combination, including withoutlimitation: application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), anelectronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and memorythat executes one or more software or firmware programs, a combinationallogic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide thedescribed functionality.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may be described herein in termsof functional and/or logical block components and various processingsteps. It should be appreciated that such block components may berealized by any number of hardware, software, and/or firmware componentsconfigured to perform the specified functions. For example, anembodiment of the present disclosure may employ various integratedcircuit components, e.g., memory elements, digital signal processingelements, logic elements, look-up tables, or the like, which may carryout a variety of functions under the control of one or moremicroprocessors or other control devices. In addition, those skilled inthe art will appreciate that embodiments of the present disclosure maybe practiced in conjunction with any number of systems, and that thework vehicle described herein is merely one example embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques related to signalprocessing, data transmission, signaling, control, and other functionalaspects of the systems (and the individual operating components of thesystems) may not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, theconnecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein areintended to represent example functional relationships and/or physicalcouplings between the various elements. It should be noted that manyalternative or additional functional relationships or physicalconnections may be present in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As noted above, in various situations it may be useful to gathermaterial (e.g., cut plant material) for further processing. For example,a cutting or raking operation may leave cut material (e.g., hay)arranged in windrows in a field. Balers and other equipment may then beused to gather the material from the windrows for formation into bales.

The following describes one or more example implementations of thedisclosed system for recompressing a round bale into a square bale for acrop-packaging device, such as a round baler, as shown in theaccompanying figures of the drawings described briefly above. It will beunderstood that the term “round” as used herein with respect to croppackaging (e.g., “round bale” or “round baler”) refers to a croppackaging machine (or a machine that produces a crop package) that isgenerally cylindrical in shape. The term “square” as used herein withrespect to crop packaging (e.g., “square bale” or “square baler”) refersto a crop packaging machine (or a machine that produces a crop package)that is generally rectangular in shape, despite not necessarily havingequal length sides. The term “square” thus may be considered synonymouswith the term “rectangular” for purposes of this disclosure. Forpurposes of this disclosure, the term “square” may also be considered toencompass any geometric and non-geometric shapes having at least oneflat side (e.g., trapezoidal, rhomboidal and other suchthree-dimensional rectilinear configurations as well as bulbousconfigurations in which a rounded portion protrudes from one or moreflat sides). The following description relates to the baler thatproduces “round” bales. Generally, the disclosed bale recompressionsystems provide for recompression of a round bale into a square bale,which enables more efficient positioning of the bales into atransportation device, such as a rectangular trailer, bed of a truck,etc.

In this regard, the disclosed bale recompression system includes atleast one of a first platen system and a second platen system. In thisexample, the first platen system is identical to the second platensystem. Each of the first platen system and the second platen systeminclude a first, upper platen and a second, bottom platen. The upperplaten is movable relative to the bottom platen, via a hydraulicactuator, to recompress a round bale into a square bale. It should benoted that while the following disclosure provides the example of anupper platen movable relative to a stationary, bottom platen, thedisclosure is not so limited. Rather, in certain embodiments the bottomplaten may move relative to a stationary upper platen. In otherembodiments, both the upper platen and the bottom platen may movetogether, either substantially simultaneously, or in a sequence tocooperate to recompress the bale. Moreover, while the motion of theupper platen is described herein as rotating or pivoting about a hinge,the upper platen may move linearly relative to the bottom platen torecompress the bale. In other embodiments, the upper platen and thebottom platen may be angled relative to each other, and the upper platenmay be moved relative to the bottom platen to recompress the bale. Thus,while the following description refers to a recompression system havinga movable platen and a stationary platen, any arrangement of platens(upper stationary, bottom movable; upper movable, bottom stationary;upper movable, bottom movable) may be employed to recompress a roundbale into a square bale. In most embodiments, the bale recompressionsystem does not include a gate, but rather, the bale recompressionsystem receives the bale from the baler, via a bale accumulator,transfer table, rails, or other arrangement, and recompresses the roundbale into a square bale.

Generally, a bale accumulator is coupled to the first platen system andthe second platen system, and receives a formed round bale from a baler.In various embodiments, the bale accumulator is a crop accumulator, andincludes features of the crop accumulator 20 described in commonlyassigned U.S. Pat. No. 9,622,420 to Kraus et. al., titled “AgriculturalBaler Platform” and incorporated herein by reference. The baleaccumulator includes a pusher, which is actuatable by a hydrauliccylinder, to move the received round bale into one of the bottomplatens. Alternatively, the bale accumulator or a portion of the baleaccumulator may be incorporated into the bottom platen. The respectiveupper platen is then rotated, by the hydraulic cylinder, and cooperateswith the bottom platen to recompress the round bale into a square bale.The bale recompression system may also include a banding unit to apply awrap material to the square bale, to preserve the square bale. Incertain examples, the bottom platen is rotatable relative to the balerto deposit the square bale onto a ground surface. In other examples, thepusher of the bale accumulator may push a newly received round baletoward the bottom platen to push the formed square bale off the bottomplaten and onto the ground surface. By recompressing the round balesinto square bales, the bales may be more efficiently shipped by arectangular trailer, for example, as the square bales conform to theshape of the trailer.

The plate members associated with the first platen system and the secondplaten system each include “channels” or “ducts,” which may receive awrap material to enable the wrap material to surround the formed squarebale. The channels in each plate member are generally aligned so thatmultiple continuous ducts are defined around the bale. An automaticstrapping unit or banding unit is placed above each channel and thebanding unit pushes the wrap material in the channel and the channelguides the wrap material around the bale. When the end of the wrapmaterial fully encompasses the square bale, the banding unit capturesthe free end of the wrap material, pulls the slack out of wrap materialwrapping it tightly to the surface of the square bale, and bonds bothends of the wrap material together. As used herein, “wrap material” mayindicate one of various types of materials utilized to hold bales ofcompressed crop or other plant matter together or to otherwise maintainthe integrity (structural or otherwise) of the bales. Wrap material mayinclude, for example, twine or similar material, net wrap, plastic orother sheeting (i.e., “sheet wrap”), banding, straps, and so on. Incertain instances, wrap material may be provided in spools or rolls,including spools of twine, rolls of net wrap, rolls of plastic sheeting,and so on.

As noted above, with reference to FIG. 1, the bale recompression systemdescribed herein may be employed with respect to a variety ofcrop-packaging devices, such as a baler 10. The baler 10 is configuredto be towed by a tractor 12, and in this example is a “round” baler. Thebaler 10 may have a main frame 16 supported on a pair of ground wheels18. The main frame 16 includes a draft tongue 17 at a first end 19having a rear end joined to the main frame 16 and a forward end definedby a clevis arrangement (not shown) adapted for being coupled to adrawbar (not shown) of the tractor 12. A pair of upright side walls 20may be fixed to the main frame 16 to define forward regions of oppositeside walls of a bale forming (or baling) chamber 22. Mounted forpivoting vertically about a horizontal pivot arrangement 24 located atan upper rear location of the side walls 20 is a discharge gate 26including opposite upright side walls 28, which define opposite sides ofa rear region of the bale forming chamber 22. The discharge gate 26 iscoupled to a second end 21 of the main frame 16. One or more gatehydraulic cylinders 30 may be coupled between the main frame 16 and theopposite side walls 28 of the discharge gate 26 and are selectivelyoperable for moving the discharge gate 26 between a lowered balingposition and an opened discharge position. It is understood that whileone hydraulic cylinder is shown, two or more hydraulic cylinders may beused to open and close the discharge gate 26. The baler 10 as shown isof a variable chamber design and thus comprises a plurality oflongitudinally extending side-by-side belts (not shown) supported on aplurality of rollers (not shown). At least one of the rollers is driven,via a chain drive coupled to a motor or other arrangement, to drive thebelts about the bale forming chamber 22.

The baler 10 may also include one or more controllers, such aselectronic controller unit (ECU). The controllers may be configured ascomputing devices with associated processor devices and memoryarchitectures, as hydraulic, electrical or electro-hydrauliccontrollers, or otherwise. As such, the controllers may be configured toexecute various computational and control functionality with respect tothe baler 10 (and other machinery). The controllers may be inelectronic, hydraulic, or other communication with various other systemsor devices of the baler 10 (or machinery). For example, the controllersmay be in electronic or hydraulic communication with various actuators,sensors, and other devices within (or outside of) the baler 10,including various devices associated with the bale forming chamber andrelated mechanisms. Additionally, one or more electro-hydraulic controlvalves (not shown) may be a part of a baler hydraulic system andinterposed in hydraulic lines connecting the gate hydraulic cylinders 30with a hydraulic supply associated with the tractor 12. Theelectro-hydraulic control valve may be electrically activated accordingto signals from the ECU and may be configured to control the flow ofhydraulic fluid between the hydraulic supply associated with the tractor12, the gate hydraulic cylinders 30 and various components of the balerecompression system 100.

In its general operation, the baler 10 is drawn through a field by thetractor 12 attached to the draft tongue 17. Crop material 36 is fed intoa crop inlet 38 of the bale forming chamber 22 from a windrow of crop onthe ground by a pickup 40. In the bale forming chamber 22, the cropmaterial 36 is rolled in spiral fashion into a cylindrical bale B. Inthis example, the baler 10 illustrated is a variable chamber designwherein crop is rolled up in a spiral fashion in a nip formed betweenoppositely moving adjacent loops of belts. The space between adjacentloops of belts grows as the forming bale B grows larger. Uponcompletion, the bale B is discharged by actuation of gate hydrauliccylinders 30 that open discharge gate 26 permitting the completed bale Bto be discharged from the baler 10 onto a bale recompression system 100.

In various embodiments, the bale recompression system 100 is coupled tothe baler 10 for movement with the baler 10 as the baler 10 is towed bythe tractor 12. As will be discussed, the bale recompression system 100receives the round bale B that is discharged by the discharge gate 26,and recompresses the round bale B into a square bale. By recompressingthe round bale B into a square bale, the bales are easier to transportas the shape of the square bale enables for improved packing of thebales within a transportation device. The bale recompression system 100includes a first platen system 102, a second platen system 104 and acrop or bale accumulator 106. The first platen system 102 is spacedapart from the second platen system 104 such that the discharge gate 26may open and close without contacting or interfering with either thefirst platen system 102 or the second platen system 104.

With reference to FIG. 2, as the first platen system 102 is the same asthe second platen system 104, for ease of description, the first platensystem 102 will be described in detail herein, with the same referencenumerals used to denote the same features of the second platen system104. The first platen system 102 includes a first, upper platen 110, asecond, bottom platen 112, a banding unit 114 and an actuator 116.Generally, the upper platen 110 is movably or rotatably coupled to thebottom platen 112, and is rotatable by the actuator 116 between a firstposition in which the upper platen 110 is spaced apart from the bottomplaten 112 to define an opening 118 for receiving the round bale B fromthe bale accumulator 106; and a second position, in which the upperplaten 110 cooperates with the bottom platen 112 to recompress the roundbale B into a square bale. The bottom platen 112 remains stationaryduring the recompression of the round bales B.

In one example, the upper platen 110 includes a first plate member 120and a second plate member 122. The first plate member 120 and the secondplate member 122 may be composed of a metal or metal alloy, and formedvia casting, forging, stamping, etc. The first plate member 120 and thesecond plate member 122 may be integrally formed, or may be discretelyformed and coupled together via a suitable technique, such as welding,mechanical fasteners, etc. The first plate member 120 is rotatablycoupled to the bottom platen 112. The first plate member 120 issubstantially planar and includes a first plate end 124 opposite asecond plate end 126. The first plate end 124 defines a first portion128 of a hinge 130.

The first plate member 120 includes a plurality of first bandingchannels 132, which are defined through the first plate member 120 fromthe first plate end 124 to the second plate end 126. The plurality offirst banding channels 132 are defined through the first plate member120 and cooperate with the banding unit 114 to band the square baleafter recompression. Each of the plurality of first banding channels 132are generally spaced apart from each other along the first plate member120. The second plate end 126 is coupled to the second plate member 122.

The second plate member 122 cooperates with the bottom platen 112 tosecure the bale within the first platen system 102 during recompression.The second plate member 122 is substantially planar and includes a thirdplate end 140 opposite a fourth plate end 142. The third plate end 140is coupled to the first plate member 120. The fourth plate end 142defines a plurality of upper fingers 144. In one example, each of theupper fingers 144 has a first body portion 146 that extends outwardlyfrom the fourth plate end 142 for a distance, and a second body portion148 that extends from the first body portion 146 along an axis A. Theaxis A is substantially oblique to a plane defined by a surface S of thesecond plate member 122. Stated another way, at least a portion of eachof the upper fingers 144 extends from the second plate member 122 at anangle. Each of the upper fingers 144 are spaced apart along the fourthplate end 142 such that a plurality of gaps 150 is defined betweenadjacent ones of the upper fingers 144. Each of the gaps 150 have awidth W, which is at least equal to or slightly greater than a width W2of a plurality of lower fingers 152 of the bottom platen 112.

The second plate member 122 includes a plurality of second bandingchannels 154, which are defined through the second plate member 122 fromthe third plate end 140 to the fourth plate end 142. The plurality ofsecond banding channels 154 are defined through the second plate member122 and cooperate with the banding unit 114 to band the square baleafter recompression. Each of the plurality of second banding channels154 are generally spaced apart from each other along the second platemember 122.

In various embodiments, one or more support plates 160 may be coupled tothe first plate member 120 and the second plate member 122 to assist inthe recompressing of the round bale B. The support plates 160 may becomposed of a metal, metal alloy or polymer, which may be cast, stamped,etc. In this example, two support plates 160.1, 160.2 are coupled to thefirst plate member 120 and the second plate member 122 at theintersection of the second plate end 126 and the third plate end 140.The support plates 160.1, 160.2 may be coupled to the first plate member120 and the second plate member 122 via any suitable technique, such aswelding, adhesives, mechanical fasteners, etc. The support plates 160.1,160.2 are substantially triangular in shape; however, the support plates160.1, 160.2 may have any shape. Each of the support plates 160.1, 160.2have a first support end 162, a second support end 164 and a thirdsupport end 166. The first support end 162 is coupled to the first platemember 120 to extend along the first plate member 120 from the secondplate end 126 towards the first plate end 124. The second support end164 is coupled to the second plate member 122 to extend along the secondplate member 122 from the third plate end 140 towards the fourth plateend 142. The third support end 166 may contact the round bale B duringrecompression, and assists in retaining the round bale B between theupper platen 110 and the bottom platen 112 during recompression.

The bottom platen 112 includes a third plate member 170 and a fourthplate member 172. The third plate member 170 and the fourth plate member172 may be composed of a metal or metal alloy, and formed via casting,forging, stamping, etc. The third plate member 170 and the fourth platemember 172 may be integrally formed, or may be discretely formed andcoupled together via a suitable technique, such as welding, mechanicalfasteners, etc. The third plate member 170 is rotatably coupled to thefirst plate member 120 of the upper platen 110. The third plate member170 is substantially planar and includes a first bottom plate end 174opposite a second bottom plate end 176. The first bottom plate end 174defines a second portion 178 of the hinge 130.

The third plate member 170 includes a plurality of third bandingchannels 180, which are defined through the third plate member 170 fromthe first bottom plate end 174 to the second bottom plate end 176. Theplurality of third banding channels 180 are defined through the thirdplate member 170 and cooperate with the banding unit 114 to band thesquare bale after recompression. Each of the third banding channels 180are generally spaced apart from each other along the third plate member170. The second bottom plate end 176 is coupled to the fourth platemember 172.

The fourth plate member 172 cooperates with the upper platen 110 tosecure the bale within the first platen system 102 during recompression.The fourth plate member 172 is substantially planar and includes a thirdbottom plate end 182 opposite a fourth bottom plate end 184. The thirdbottom plate end 182 is coupled to the third plate member 170. Thefourth bottom plate end 184 defines the plurality of lower fingers 152.In one example, each of the lower fingers 152 extends outwardly from thefourth bottom plate end 184 along an axis A2. The axis A2 issubstantially oblique to a plane defined by a surface S2 of the fourthplate member 172. Stated another way, each of the lower fingers 152extend from the fourth plate member 172 at an angle. Each of the lowerfingers 152 are spaced apart along the fourth bottom plate end 184 suchthat a plurality of bottom gaps 186 is defined between adjacent ones ofthe lower fingers 152. Each of the bottom gaps 186 have a width W3,which is at least equal to or slightly greater than a width W4 of eachof the upper fingers 144 of the upper platen 110. Thus, the gaps 150 andthe bottom gaps 186 enable the upper fingers 144 to interleave with thelower fingers 152 when the upper platen 110 is in the second position.This assists in retaining the crop material within the first platensystem 102 during recompression of the round bale.

The fourth plate member 172 includes a plurality of fourth bandingchannels 190, which are defined through the fourth plate member 172 fromthe third bottom plate end 182 to the fourth bottom plate end 184. Theplurality of fourth banding channels 190 are defined through the fourthplate member 172 and cooperate with the banding unit 114 to band thesquare bale after recompression. Each of the fourth banding channels 190are generally spaced apart from each other along the fourth plate member172.

In various embodiments, the bottom platen 112 is rotatably coupled tothe baler 10. In one example, a rear surface 192 of the third platemember 170 is coupled to a shaft 194. For example, the rear surface 192includes a mounting bracket, which receives an end of the shaft 194 suchthat a rotation of the shaft 194 rotates the bottom platen 112.Generally, the shaft 194 is rotatable by a bottom platen hydraulicactuator 196 to move the bottom platen 112, and thus, the upper platen110 from a first recompression position (FIG. 2) to a second, dischargeposition (FIG. 10). This enables the square bales to be discharged fromthe bale recompression system 100. In one example, the bottom platenhydraulic actuator 196 is a hydraulic cylinder, which is fluidly coupledto the hydraulic system of the baler 10. For example, the bottom platenhydraulic actuator 196 may include one or more hydraulic lines thatconnect the bottom platen hydraulic actuator 196 with the hydraulicsupply associated with the tractor 12. One or more electro-hydrauliccontrol valves of the hydraulic system of the baler 10 may be in fluidcommunication with the bottom platen hydraulic actuator 196 andelectrically activated according to signals from the ECU to control theflow of hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic supply associated with thetractor 12 and the bottom platen hydraulic actuator 196. In variousembodiments the ECU of the baler 10 may be in communication with acontroller of the tractor 12, and may control the recompression of thebale based on one or more signals received from the controller of thetractor 12. For example, the controller of the tractor 12 may receiveinput from a human-machine interface, positioned within a cab of thetractor 12, which commands the recompression of a round bale into asquare bale. Alternatively, the third plate member 170 may be coupled toa pivot arm, and the bottom platen hydraulic actuator 196 may beactuated to move the pivot arm, thereby pivoting the third plate member170 to deposit the square bales, similar to the pivot arm and actuatorsemployed with the bale carriage 29 of U.S. Pat. No. 9,622,420 to Krauset. al., previously incorporated herein by reference.

With reference to FIG. 3, the banding unit 114 is coupled to the rearsurface 192 of the third plate member 170. The banding unit 114 is anysuitable unit or system known in the art, which is capable of applying awrap material 198 to the recompressed square bale once formed. As usedherein, “wrap material” may indicate one of various types of materialsutilized to hold bales of compressed crop or other plant matter togetheror to otherwise maintain the integrity (structural or otherwise) of thebales. The wrap material 198 may include, for example, twine or similarmaterial, net wrap, plastic or other sheeting (i.e., “sheet wrap”),banding, straps, and so on. In certain instances, the wrap material 198may be provided in spools or rolls, including spools of twine, rolls ofnet wrap, rolls of plastic sheeting, and so on. The banding unit 114generally includes at least one spool of wrap material 198, which issupported on a roller (not shown). The roller is driven (by a motor,gearing, etc.) to dispense the wrap material 198, which is driventhrough the first banding channels 132, the second banding channels 154,the third banding channels 180 and the fourth banding channels 190around the bale to hold the recompressed bale in the square shape. Itshould be noted that although the banding unit 114 is shown coupled tothe third plate member 170 to dispose the wrap material 198 in adirection substantially parallel to the surface S of the second platemember 122, in certain embodiments, a banding unit may be configured todispose the wrap material 198 in a direction substantially perpendicularto the surface S of the second plate member 122. Further, while thebanding unit 114 is shown coupled to the third plate member 170, thebanding unit 114 may also be coupled to the first plate member 120 orthe second plate member 122 of the upper platen 110. Alternatively, thebanding unit 114 may be coupled to a support frame associated with thebale accumulator 106 or a frame of the baler 10. Thus, generally, thebanding unit 114 is coupled to or disposed in proximity to at least oneof the upper platen 110 and the bottom platen 112 to dispense the wrapmaterial 198 about the square bale.

Moreover, in certain embodiments, the baler 10 may also include a wrapfeed and cut-off system coupled to the baler 10 so as to be external tothe bale forming chamber 22. The wrap feed and cut-off system includesat least one spool of wrap material, such as the wrap material 198,which is supported on a roller. The roller is driven to dispense thewrap material 198, which is pulled into the bale forming chamber 22 andaround the bale B. It should be noted that while in some embodiments thebaler 10 is illustrated herein as including the wrap feed and cut-offsystem, the wrap feed and cut-off system is optional.

In one example, the actuator 116 rotates the upper platen 110 betweenthe first position and the second position. In this example, theactuator 116 is a hydraulic cylinder, which is in fluid communicationwith the hydraulic system of the baler 10. It should be noted that whilethe first platen system 102 is shown and described as including a singlehydraulic actuator 116, the first platen system 102 may include anynumber of actuators 116. For example, the actuator 116 may include oneor more hydraulic lines that connect the actuator 116 with the hydraulicsupply associated with the tractor 12. One or more electro-hydrauliccontrol valves of the hydraulic system of the baler 10 may be in fluidcommunication with the actuator 116 and electrically activated accordingto signals from the ECU to control the flow of hydraulic fluid betweenthe hydraulic supply associated with the tractor 12 and the actuator116. The actuator 116 is responsive to hydraulic fluid received from thetractor 12 to rotate the upper platen 110 relative to the bottom platen112. In one example, the actuator 116 has a first end coupled to thethird plate member 170, and a second end coupled to the first platemember 120. Upon receipt of the hydraulic fluid, the actuator 116extends, thereby rotating the first plate member 120 relative to thethird plate member 170 and moving the upper platen 110 from the firstposition to the second position.

With reference to FIG. 4, the bale accumulator 106 is shown in greaterdetail. In this example, the bale accumulator 106 is coupled to thebaler 10 so as to be adjacent to or near the discharge gate 26 such thatwhen the discharge gate 26 moves into the open discharge position, theround bale B is received on the bale accumulator 106. The baleaccumulator 106 may act as a crop-package accumulator, and may alsostore a single round bale B while other square bales are being formed bythe first platen system 102 and the second platen system 104. The baleaccumulator 106 includes a support frame 200 and a pusher 202.

The support frame 200 is coupled to the fourth plate member 172 of eachof the first platen system 102 and the second platen system 104. Thesupport frame 200 supports a single round bale B, and interconnects thefourth plate members 172 to enable the bale accumulator 106 to transferround bales B to the respective one of the fourth plate members 172. Thesupport frame 200 is configured as a rigid metal frame and is supportedon a pair of ground wheels 204.

As depicted, a front end 206 of the support frame 200 is coupled to thebaler 10 for receiving the round bale from the discharge gate 26 (FIG.2). One or more flexible members 208 (e.g., one or more belts or straps)are secured to the support frame 200, extending between front and rearattachment points 210 and 212 of the support frame 200. The attachmentpoints 210 and 212 may be configured as tubing, bars, rollers, beams,brackets, or otherwise. As depicted, the flexible members 208 extend thefull length of the front end 206 of the support frame 200 between frontand rear attachment points 210 and 212. It will be understood, however,that the flexible members 208 may extend various other distances betweenattachment points on the support frame 200. As depicted in FIG. 4, theflexible members 208 are rigidly fixed to the frame at the attachmentpoints 210 and 212, such that the flexible members 208 may lengthen byelastic deformation, but are not extendable through movement (e.g.,unwinding) at the attachment points 210 and 212. It will be understoodthat other configurations are possible. The flexible members 208 areattached to the support frame 200 such that a round bale B may bereceived on the flexible members 208 with respect to the support frame200, before moving to a platform 220 at a rear end 218 of the supportframe 200.

The platform 220 receives the round bale B as the round bale B rolls outof the discharge gate 26 onto the flexible members 208 and to theplatform 220. The platform 220 may also support a single round baleduring the formation of two square bales by the first platen system 102and the second platen system 104. The platform 220 includes a stop 222,a first rail 224, a second rail 226 and a slot 228. The stop 222prevents the further rotation of the round bale B, and assists inretaining the round bale B on the platform 220. The first rail 224 isopposite the second rail 226, and each of the rails 224, 226 extendalong the platform 220 such that ends of each of the rails 224, 226 arecoupled to the fourth plate members 172. Thus, in this example, therails 224, 226 extend in a direction that is substantially perpendicularto a direction of forward travel of the tractor 12 (FIG. 1).

Each of the rails 224, 226 include a pair of stops 230. A first stop230.1 of the pair of stops 230 is coupled at a first end 224.1, 226.1 ofeach of the rails 224, 226, and a second stop 230.2 of the pair of stops230 is coupled at a second end 224.2, 226.2 of each of the rails 224,226. The rails 224, 226 guide the pusher 202 as the pusher 202 movesbetween the first stops 230.1 and the second stops 230.2. The slot 228receives a portion of the pusher 202 to drive the pusher 202 between thefirst end 224.1, 226.1 and the second end 224.2, 226.2 of each of therails 224, 226.

The pusher 202 includes a lower flange 240 and an upper flange 242. Thelower flange 240 is coupled to the upper flange 242. The lower flange240 extends below the platform 220, and is coupled to a pusher hydraulicactuator 241, such as a hydraulic cylinder. The pusher hydraulicactuator 241 is fluidly coupled to the hydraulic system of the baler 10.For example, the pusher hydraulic actuator 241 may include one or morehydraulic lines that connect the pusher hydraulic actuator 241 with thehydraulic supply associated with the tractor 12. One or moreelectro-hydraulic control valves of the hydraulic system of the baler 10may be in fluid communication with the pusher hydraulic actuator 241 andelectrically activated according to signals from the ECU to control theflow of hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic supply associated with thetractor 12 and the pusher hydraulic actuator 241. The pusher hydraulicactuator 241 is responsive to the hydraulic fluid received from thehydraulic system to move the pusher 202 between the rails 224, 226 fromthe first end 224.1, 226.1 to the second end 224.2, 226.2 and viceversa.

The upper flange 242 extends outwardly and upwardly from the platform220 to contact the bale. The upper flange 242 may include a leftprojection 244 and a right projection 246. The left projection 244extends outward from a first or left side 242.1 of the upper flange 242;and the right projection 246 extends outward from a second or right side242.2 of the upper flange 242. The left projection 244 and the rightprojection 246 contact a round bale received on the platform 220 andcooperate with the upper flange 242 to move the round bale to therespective one of the fourth plate members 172 on the actuation of thepusher hydraulic actuator 241.

With reference to FIG. 5, in one example, in order to assemble each ofthe first platen system 102 and the second platen system 104, with thefirst plate member 120 coupled to the second plate member 122 to definethe upper platen 110, the third plate member 170 is coupled to thefourth plate member 172 to define the bottom platen 112. The supports160.1, 160.2 are coupled to the first plate member 120 and the secondplate member 122. The upper platen 110 is coupled to the bottom platen112 at the hinge 130, and the actuator 116 is coupled to the third platemember 170 and the first plate member 120 to enable movement of theupper platen 110 between the first position and the second position. Thehinge 130 defines a pivot axis P1 for the upper platen 110. It should benoted that while the upper platen 110 is described herein as beingcoupled to the bottom platen 112 via the hinge 130, the upper platen 110may be coupled to the bottom platen 112 via a pivot pin or other devicethat enables the upper platen 110 to pivot relative to the bottom platen112.

With the first platen system 102 and the second platen system 104assembled, the first platen system 102 and the second platen system 104are coupled to the support frame 200 once the bale accumulator 106 isassembled. In certain embodiments, the third plate members 170 arecoupled to the shaft 194, which is coupled to the bottom platenhydraulic actuator 196. Generally, the bale accumulator 106 is assembledby coupling the pusher 202 to the support frame 200, with the lowerflange 240 disposed within and partially below the slot 228, and theupper flange 242 is coupled to the lower flange 240 (FIG. 4) to contacta received round bale B. The pusher hydraulic actuator 241 is coupled tothe lower flange 240. The flexible members 208 are coupled to theattachment points 210, 212 of the support frame 200.

With the bale accumulator 106 assembled, the fourth plate member 172 ofthe first platen system 102 is coupled at the first ends 224.1, 226.1 ofthe rails 224, 226 (FIG. 4) and the fourth plate member 172 of thesecond platen system 104 is coupled to the second ends 224.2, 226.2 ofthe rails 224, 226. The respective actuators 116, 196, 241 are eachcoupled to the hydraulic system of the baler 10 so as to be fluidlycoupled to the hydraulic supply of the tractor 12.

Once the round bale B is formed in the bale forming chamber 22 of thebaler 10, the discharge gate 26 moves to the open discharge position torelease the formed round bale B. The formed round bale B contacts theflexible members 208 (FIG. 4) and rolls until the round bale B contactsthe stop 222 on the platform 220. In this position, as shown in FIG. 5,the left projection 244 of the upper flange 242 contacts the round baleB.

With reference to FIG. 6, with the upper platen 110 of each of the firstplaten system 102 and the second platen system 104 in the firstposition, the pusher hydraulic actuator 241 is actuated based onhydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply of the tractor 12through the hydraulic system of the baler 10, for example. The actuationof the pusher hydraulic actuator 241 drives the pusher 202 to move theround bale B into the opening 118. With the round bale B received withinthe first platen system 102, with reference to FIG. 7, the actuator 116of the first platen system 102 is actuated, based on hydraulic fluidreceived from the hydraulic supply of the tractor 12 through thehydraulic system of the baler 10, for example. The actuation of theactuator 116 rotates the upper platen 110 toward the bottom platen 112to recompress the round bale B. The actuator 116 continues to rotate theupper platen 110 toward the bottom platen 112 such that the upperfingers 144 interleave with the lower fingers 152, as shown in FIG. 8.

With continued reference to FIG. 8, as the first platen system 102 formsa square bale SB, the discharge gate 26 moves to the open dischargeposition to release a second round bale B.1. Once the second round baleB.1 is received on the platform 220, the pusher hydraulic actuator 241of the bale accumulator 106 is actuated based on hydraulic fluidreceived from the hydraulic supply of the tractor 12 through thehydraulic system of the baler 10, for example. The actuation of thepusher hydraulic actuator 241 moves the second round bale B.1 onto thefourth plate member 172 of the second platen system 104. With the secondround bale B.1 received on the fourth plate member 172 of the secondplaten system 104, the actuator 116 is actuated based on hydraulic fluidreceived from the hydraulic supply of the tractor 12 through thehydraulic system of the baler 10, for example. The actuation of theactuator 116 moves the upper platen 110 from the first position to thesecond position to recompress the second round bale B.1. With the upperplaten 110 of each of the first platen system 102 and the second platensystem 104 in the second position, the banding unit 114 of each of thefirst platen system 102 and the second platen system 104 may beactivated to apply wrap material 198 to each of the square bales SB,SB.1 (FIG. 9). The wrap material 198 passes through the first bandingchannels 132, the second banding channels 154, the third bandingchannels 180 and the fourth banding channels 190 to surround the squarebales SB, SB.1 (FIG. 9). Thus, the bale recompression system 100 iscapable of compressing two round bales at a time into square bales. Itshould be understood, however, that a single one of the first platensystem 102 and the second platen system 104 may be coupled to the baleaccumulator 106 to recompress a single round bale at a time.

With reference to FIG. 9, with the second round bale B.1 from FIG. 8recompressed into the second square bale SB.1 and the wrap material 198applied, the upper platen 110 of each of the first platen system 102 andthe second platen system 104 may be moved from the second position tothe first position. It should be noted, however, that the upper platen110 of the first platen system 102 may be moved to the first positionupon completion of recompressing the bale.

With the upper platen 110 of each of the first platen system 102 and thesecond platen system 104 in the first position, with reference to FIG.10, the bottom platen hydraulic actuator 196 may be actuated, based onhydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply of the tractor 12through the hydraulic system of the baler 10, for example. The actuationof the bottom platen hydraulic actuator 196 rotates the shaft 194. Therotation of the shaft 194 rotates the bottom platen 112 of each of thefirst platen system 102 and the second platen system 104 from the first,recompression position (FIG. 9) to the second, discharge position (FIG.10). In the second, discharge position, the lower fingers 152 rest on aground surface G to enable the square bales SB, SB.1 to fall onto theground surface G. The bottom platen hydraulic actuator 196 may beactuated to reverse the rotation of the shaft 194 to move the bottomplaten 112 of each of the first platen system 102 and the second platensystem 104 from the second position to the first position (FIG. 9) toresume recompressing round bales. It should be noted, however, that thebottom platen hydraulic actuator 196 and the shaft 194 may be configuredsuch that a single one of the bottom platens 112 may be rotated to thesecond, discharge position, to enable a single one of the square balesSB, SB.1 to be deposited at a time. Thus, in certain embodiments, thebottom platens 112 are individually rotatable relative to the baler 10to deposit the respective square bales SB, SB.1 onto the ground surfaceG. Moreover, the bale recompression system 100 may be configured todeposit the square bales SB, SB.1 on a virtual trip line. As thedepositing of the bales on a virtual trip line is known from commonlyassigned U.S. Pat. No. 9,578,811 to Kraus et al., titled “Variable RateDischarge System for Crop Accumulator,” which is incorporated herein byreference, the depositing of the square bales SB, SB.1 will not bediscussed in detail herein.

Alternatively, in certain embodiments, with reference to FIG. 11, theupper platen 110 may be moved from the second position to the firstposition once the square bale SB is formed and wrapped with the wrapmaterial 198. While the upper platen 110 of the second platen system 104is in the second position to form the second square bale SB.1, a thirdround bale B.2 may be discharged through the discharge gate 26 onto theplatform 220. The third round bale B.2 is received on the platform 220of the support frame 200.

With reference to FIG. 12, the pusher hydraulic actuator 241 isactuated, and moves the third round bale B.2 toward the first platensystem 102. As the third round bale B.2 moves toward the first platensystem 102, the third round bale B.2 contacts the square bale SB. Thecontinued advancement of the pusher 202 to move the third round bale B.2unto the fourth plate member 172 ejects the square bale SB from thefirst platen system 102. The upper platen 110 may then be moved, via theactuator 116, from the first position to the second position torecompress the third round bale B.2.

It should be noted that while the bale recompression system 100 isdescribed herein as employing hydraulic actuators 116 to move the upperplaten 110 relative to the bottom platen 112, the upper platen 110 maybe moved relative to the bottom platen 112 in a variety of ways. Forexample, with reference to FIG. 13, a bale recompression system 100′ isshown. As the bale recompression system 100′ is similar to the balerecompression system 100 discussed with regard to FIGS. 1-12, the samereference numerals will be used to denote the same or substantiallysimilar components. The bale recompression system 100′ includes a firstplaten system 102′ and a second platen system 104′. As the first platensystem 102′ is the same as the second platen system 104′, for ease ofdescription, the first platen system 102′ will be described in detailherein, with the same reference numerals used to denote the samefeatures of the second platen system 104′.

The first platen system 102′ includes the upper platen 110, the bottomplaten 112, the banding unit 114 and an actuation system 300. In thisexample, the actuation system 300 includes a support structure 302, alinkage 304 and an actuator 306. The support structure 302 is rigidstructure, which is capable of withstanding the force applied by theactuator 306 to move the upper platen 110 to recompress the bale B. Inone example, the support structure 302 includes a support beam 308, afirst frame member 310, a second frame member 312 and one or moreinterconnecting members 314. While the support structure 302 isdescribed herein as comprising separate and discrete components that arecoupled together, via welding, mechanical fasteners, etc., it will beunderstood that the support structure 302 may be integrally formed, viaselective metal sintering, additive manufacturing, etc. The support beam308 may comprise an I-beam or similar beam, which is coupled to a bottomsurface of the bottom platen 112. Generally, the support beam 308 iscomposed of a metal or metal alloy, and may be stamped, forged, cast,etc. While the support beam 308 is described herein as a beam, thesupport beam 308 may comprise a rigid plate, a truss structure, or thelike. Moreover, the support beam 308 may comprise more than one beam.

The first frame member 310 and the second frame member 312 are coupledto the support beam 308, via welding, mechanical fasteners, etc. Thefirst frame member 310 and the second frame member 312 are composed of ametal or metal alloy, and may be stamped, forged, cast, etc. The firstframe member 310 has a first end 310.1 coupled to the support beam 308and an opposite, second end 310.2 coupled to the second frame member312. Generally, the first frame member 310 extends along an axis that istransverse to a longitudinal axis of the support beam 308 such that thefirst frame member 310 extends at an angle relative to the support beam308. The second frame member 312 has a first end 312.1 coupled to thesupport beam 308 and an opposite, second end 312.2 coupled to the firstframe member 310. The first end 312.1 of the second frame member 312 isspaced apart from the first end 310.1 of the first frame member 310.Generally, the second frame member 312 extends along an axis that issubstantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the support beam308.

The interconnecting members 314 couple or connect the first frame member310 to the second frame member 312. Generally, each of theinterconnecting members 314 extend along an axis that is substantiallyparallel to the longitudinal axis of the support beam 308. In thisexample, the interconnecting members 314 include a first interconnectingmember 314.1 and a second interconnecting member 314.2. The firstinterconnecting member 314.1 has a first end coupled to the first framemember 310 and a second end coupled to the second frame member 312. Thefirst interconnecting member 314.1 generally has a length that isgreater than a length of the second frame member 312 due to theorientation of the first frame member 310. The second interconnectingmember 314.2 has a first end coupled to the first frame member 310 and asecond end coupled to the second frame member 312. It should be notedthat the orientation and configuration of the support structure 302 ismerely an example.

In one example, the linkage 304 is a scissors linkage, having a firstlink 320 and a second link 322. Each of the first link 320 and thesecond link 322 are composed of a metal or metal alloy, and may bestamped, forged, cast, etc. The first link 320 has a first end 320.1 andan opposite, second end 320.2, and the first link 320 extends along afirst link longitudinal axis. The first end 320.1 is coupled to thesecond frame member 312. In this example, the second frame member 312includes a first bracket 324, and the first end 320.1 is pivotallycoupled to the first bracket 324 via a first pin 326. The first pin 326defines a first pivot axis SP1 for the linkage 304. The second end 320.2is coupled to the second link 322 via a second pin 328. The second pin328 defines a second pivot axis SP2 for the linkage 304.

The second link 322 includes a first end 322.1 and an opposite, secondend 322.2, and the second link 322 extends along a second linklongitudinal axis. The first end 322.1 is coupled to the second end320.2 of the first link 320 via the second pin 328. The second end 322.2is coupled to the first plate member 120 of the upper platen 110. In oneexample, the first plate member 120 of the upper platen 110 has a secondbracket 330, and the second end 322.2 is coupled to the second bracket330 via a third pin 332. The third pin 332 defines a third pivot axisSP3 for the linkage 304.

The actuator 306 rotates the upper platen 110 between the first positionand the second position. In this example, the actuator 306 is ahydraulic cylinder, which is in fluid communication with the hydraulicsystem of the baler 10. For example, the actuator 306 may include one ormore hydraulic lines that connect the actuator 306 with the hydraulicsupply associated with the tractor 12. One or more electro-hydrauliccontrol valves of the hydraulic system of the baler 10 may be in fluidcommunication with the actuator 306 and electrically activated accordingto signals from the ECU to control the flow of hydraulic fluid betweenthe hydraulic supply associated with the tractor 12 and the actuator306. It should be noted that while a single actuator 306 is illustratedherein, one or more actuators 306 may be employed. The actuator 306 isresponsive to hydraulic fluid received from the tractor 12 to rotate theupper platen 110 relative to the bottom platen 112. In one example, thesecond frame member 312 includes a third bracket 334, and the actuator306 has a first end 306.1 coupled to the third bracket 334 via a fourthpin 336. Generally, the actuator 306 is coupled to the third bracket 334so as to remain in a fixed orientation (i.e. non-rotating) relative tothe second frame member 312. The actuator 306 has a second end 306.1,which is opposite the first end 306.1. The second end 306.2 is coupledto the second pin 328. In one example, the second pin 328 is receivedthrough a bore defined through the second end 306.2 of the actuator 306to couple the actuator 306 to the second pin 328, the first links 320and the second links 322.

In order to move the upper platen 110 between the first position and thesecond position, with the upper platen 110 in the first position (FIG.13A), upon receipt of the hydraulic fluid, the actuator 306 retractssuch that the second end 306.2 of the actuator 306 is pulled toward thefirst end 306.1. As the first link longitudinal axis is substantiallytransverse to or intersects the second link longitudinal axis in thefirst position of the upper platen 110, the retraction of the second end306.2 of the actuator 306 causes the linkage 304 to move toward aposition in which the first link longitudinal axis is substantiallyparallel to the second link longitudinal axis. This movement of thelinkage 304 causes the upper platen 110 to move or rotate into thesecond position (FIG. 13B) to enable recompression of a round bale intoa square bale.

As discussed, the upper platen 110 may be moved relative to the bottomplaten 112 in a variety of ways. In another example, with reference toFIG. 14, a bale recompression system 100″ is shown. As the balerecompression system 100″ is similar to the bale recompression system100′ discussed with regard to FIGS. 13-13B, the same reference numeralswill be used to denote the same or substantially similar components. Thebale recompression system 100″ includes a first platen system 102″ and asecond platen system 104″. As the first platen system 102″ is the sameas the second platen system 104″, for ease of description, the firstplaten system 102″ will be described in detail herein, with the samereference numerals used to denote the same features of the second platensystem 104″.

The first platen system 102″ includes the upper platen 110, the bottomplaten 112, the banding unit 114 and an actuation system 350. In thisexample, the actuation system 350 includes a support structure 352, alinkage assembly 354 and the actuator 306. In one example, the supportstructure 352 includes the support beam 308, the first frame member 310,the second frame member 312, a cross-bar 353 and the interconnectingmembers 314.1, 314.2. While the support structure 352 is describedherein as comprising separate and discrete components that are coupledtogether, via welding, mechanical fasteners, etc., it will be understoodthat the support structure 352 may be integrally formed, via selectivemetal sintering, additive manufacturing, etc.

In one example, the linkage assembly 354 is a dual scissors linkage,having a first linkage 355 and a second linkage 356 interconnected by across-pin 358. The first linkage 355 includes the first link 320 and thesecond link 322; and the second linkage 356 includes the first link 320and the second link 322. In this example, the cross-bar 353 includes apair of first brackets 324. The first end 320.1 of one of the firstlinks 320 is pivotally coupled to one of the first brackets 324 via thefirst pin 326; and the first end 320.1 of the second one of the firstlinks 320 is pivotally coupled to the other of the first brackets 324via the first pin 326. The second end 320.2 of each of the pair of firstlinks 320 is coupled to the cross-pin 358.

The first end 322.1 of each of the second links 322 is coupled to thesecond end 320.2 of each of the first links 320 via the cross-pin 358.The second end 322.2 of each of the second links 322 is coupled to thefirst plate member 120 of the upper platen 110. In one example, thefirst plate member 120 of the upper platen 110 has a pair of the secondbrackets 330, and the second end 322.2 of each of the second links 322is coupled to a respective one of the second brackets 330 via arespective one of a pair of third pins 332.

The cross-pin 358 is composed of a metal or metal alloy, and may bestamped, forged, cast, etc. The cross-pin 358 defines a second pivotaxis SP2 for the linkage assembly 354. The cross-pin 358 couples thesecond ends 320.2 of each of the first links 320 and the first ends322.1 of each of the second links 322 to the actuator 306. In oneexample, the cross-pin 358 is received through a bore defined throughthe second end 306.1 of the actuator 306 to couple the actuator 306 tothe cross-pin 358.

In order to move the upper platen 110 between the first position and thesecond position, with the upper platen 110 in the first position (FIG.14), upon receipt of the hydraulic fluid, the actuator 306 retracts suchthat the second end 306.2 of the actuator 306 is pulled toward the firstend 306.1. As the first link longitudinal axis of each of the firstlinks 320 is substantially transverse to or intersects the second linklongitudinal axis of each of the second links 322 in the first positionof the upper platen 110, the retraction of the second end 306.2 of theactuator 306 causes the linkage assembly 354 to move toward a positionin which the first link longitudinal axis of each of the first links 320is substantially parallel to the second link longitudinal axis of eachof the second links 322. Thus, the retraction of the second end 306.2 ofthe actuator 306 pulls the cross-pin 358 toward the upper platen 110,which causes the pair of first links 320 and the pair of second links322 to rotate into an extended position. This movement of the linkageassembly 354 causes the upper platen 110 to move or rotate into thesecond position (similar to that shown in FIG. 13B) to enablerecompression of a round bale into a square bale.

As discussed, the upper platen 110 may be moved relative to the bottomplaten 112 in a variety of ways. In another example, with reference toFIG. 15, a bale recompression system 100′″ is shown. As the balerecompression system 100′″ is similar to the bale recompression system100′ discussed with regard to FIGS. 13-13B, the same reference numeralswill be used to denote the same or substantially similar components. Thebale recompression system 100′″ includes a first platen system 102″ anda second platen system 104′″. As the first platen system 102″ is thesame as the second platen system 104″, for ease of description, thefirst platen system 102″ will be described in detail herein, with thesame reference numerals used to denote the same features of the secondplaten system 104″.

The first platen system 102′″ includes the upper platen 110, the bottomplaten 112, the banding unit 114 and an actuation system 400. In thisexample, the actuation system 400 includes a support structure 402, alinkage 404 and an actuator 406. The support structure 402 is rigidstructure, which is capable of withstanding the force applied by theactuator 406 to move the upper platen 110 to recompress the bale B. Inone example, the support structure 402 includes a support beam 408. Thesupport beam 408 may comprise an I-beam or similar beam, which iscoupled to the bottom surface of the bottom platen 112. Generally, thesupport beam 408 is composed of a metal or metal alloy, and may bestamped, forged, cast, etc. While the support beam 408 is describedherein as a beam, the support beam 408 may comprise a rigid plate, atruss structure, or the like. Moreover, the support beam 408 maycomprise more than one beam.

The support beam 408 is sized to generally extend a distance beyond thethird plate member 170. The support beam 408 includes a first bracket410 at a first end and a second bracket 412 between the first bracket410 and an opposite, second end. The first bracket 410 couples theactuator 406 to the support beam 408 and the second bracket 412 couplesa portion of the linkage 404 to the support beam 408. In one example,the first bracket 410 and the second bracket 412 are each substantiallyU-shaped and each define a through bore for receipt of a pin. It will benoted that the first bracket 410 and the second bracket 412 may have anydesired shape and configuration for receiving the actuator 406.

In one example, the linkage 404 is a scissors linkage, having a firstlink 420 and a second link 422. Each of the first link 420 and thesecond link 422 are composed of a metal or metal alloy, and may bestamped, forged, cast, etc. The first link 420 has a first end 420.1 andan opposite, second end 420.2, and the first link 420 extends along afirst link longitudinal axis. The first end 420.1 is coupled to thesecond bracket 412 of the support beam 408. In this example, the firstend 420.1 is pivotally coupled to the second bracket 412 via a first pin426. The first pin 426 defines a first pivot axis SP1.1 for the linkage404. The second end 420.2 is coupled to the second link 422 via a secondpin 428. The second pin 428 defines a second pivot axis SP2.1 for thelinkage 404.

The second link 422 includes a first end 422.1 and an opposite, secondend 422.2, and the second link 422 extends along a second linklongitudinal axis. The first end 422.1 is coupled to the second end420.2 of the first link 420 via the second pin 428. The second end 422.2is coupled to an extension 430 of the upper platen 110. The extension430 is composed of a metal or metal alloy, and may be stamped, forged,cast, etc. In one example, the extension 430 is coupled to the firstplate member 120 of the upper platen 110 at the hinge 130, and extendsdownward from the first plate member 120 at an angle. It should benoted, however, that the extension 430 may have any desired shape, andmay be coupled to the upper platen 110 at any desired location. Theextension 430 couples the linkage 404 to the upper platen 110 to enablethe movement of the upper platen 110 about the pivot axis P1. Generally,the second end 422.2 is coupled to the extension 430 via a third pin432. The third pin 432 defines a third pivot axis SP3.2 for the linkage404.

The actuator 406 rotates the upper platen 110 between the first positionand the second position. In this example, the actuator 406 is ahydraulic cylinder, which is in fluid communication with the hydraulicsystem of the baler 10. For example, the actuator 406 may include one ormore hydraulic lines that connect the actuator 406 with the hydraulicsupply associated with the tractor 12. One or more electro-hydrauliccontrol valves of the hydraulic system of the baler 10 may be in fluidcommunication with the actuator 406 and electrically activated accordingto signals from the ECU to control the flow of hydraulic fluid betweenthe hydraulic supply associated with the tractor 12 and the actuator406. The actuator 406 is responsive to hydraulic fluid received from thetractor 12 to rotate the upper platen 110 relative to the bottom platen112. In one example, the actuator 406 has a first end 406.1 coupled tothe first bracket 410 via a fourth pin 436. Generally, the actuator 406is coupled to the first bracket 410 so as to remain in a fixedorientation (i.e. non-rotating) relative to the support beam 408. Theactuator 406 has a second end 406.2, which is opposite the first end406.1. The second end 406.2 is coupled to the second pin 428. In oneexample, the second pin 428 is received through a bore defined throughthe second end 406.2 of the actuator 406 to couple the actuator 406 tothe second pin 428.

In order to move the upper platen 110 between the first position and thesecond position, with the upper platen 110 in the first position (FIG.15), upon receipt of the hydraulic fluid, the actuator 406 extends suchthat the second end 406.2 of the actuator 406 is pushed toward the firstend 406.1. As the first link longitudinal axis is substantiallytransverse to or intersects the second link longitudinal axis in thefirst position of the upper platen 110, the retraction of the second end406.2 of the actuator 406 causes the linkage 404 to move toward aposition in which the first link longitudinal axis is substantiallyparallel to the second link longitudinal axis. This movement of thelinkage 404 causes the upper platen 110 to move or rotate into thesecond position (similar to that shown in FIG. 13B) to enablerecompression of a round bale into a square bale. It should be notedthat the position of the actuator 406 is merely an example, as theactuators 116, 306, 406 may be positioned at any desired locationrelative to the upper platen 110 to move the upper platen 110 relativeto the bottom platen 112.

It should be noted that while the bale recompression system 100 isdescribed herein as including the first platen system 102 and the secondplaten system 104, it should be understood that the bale recompressionsystem 100 may be configured in a variety of ways. For example, withreference to FIG. 16, a bale recompression system 500 is shown. As thebale recompression system 500 is similar to the bale recompressionsystem 100 discussed with regard to FIGS. 1-12, the same referencenumerals will be used to denote the same or substantially similarcomponents. The bale recompression system 500 includes a transfer table502, first platen system 504 and one or more optional bale accumulatorwings 506.

The bale recompression system 500 is coupled to the baler 10 formovement with the baler 10 as the baler 10 is towed by the tractor 12.As will be discussed, the bale recompression system 500 receives theround bale B that is discharged by the discharge gate 26, andrecompresses the round bale B into a square bale. In this example, thefirst platen system 504 is towed substantially directly behind thetractor 12, and the transfer table 502 guides the round bale B from thedischarge gate 26 of the baler 10 into the first platen system 504.

The transfer table 502 interconnects the baler 10 and the first platensystem 504. In various embodiments, the transfer table 502 comprises theplatform 56 described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,622,420, previouslyincorporated herein by reference. Generally, the transfer table 502 issubstantially planar and is coupled to the baler 10 so as to be in aposition for the round bale B to be dropped on a surface 502.1 of thetransfer table 502 when the discharge gate 26 opens. The transfer table502 is pivotable relative to a support structure 502.2. The transfertable 502 receives the round bale B and when the discharge gate 26opens, the transfer table 502 tilts and/or lifts the round bale B in agenerally aft direction (indicated by arrow 508) to move the round baleB in the direction 512 onto the first platen system 504. Thus, thetransfer table 502 is movable between a first position (in which thetransfer table 502 is substantially parallel to a ground surface G) anda second position (in which the transfer table 502 is pivoted in the aftdirection).

Generally, the transfer table 502 is movable between the first positionand the second position by an actuator 510. In one example, the actuator510 is a hydraulic actuator, which is fluidly coupled to the hydraulicsystem of the baler 10 and is coupled between the transfer table 502 andthe support structure 502.2. For example, the actuator 510 may includeone or more hydraulic lines that connect the actuator 510 with thehydraulic supply associated with the tractor 12. One or moreelectro-hydraulic control valves of the hydraulic system of the baler 10may be in fluid communication with the actuator 510 and electricallyactivated according to signals from the ECU to control the flow ofhydraulic fluid between the hydraulic supply associated with the tractor12 and the actuator 510. The actuator 510 is responsive to the hydraulicfluid received from the hydraulic system to move the transfer table 502between the first position (substantially parallel the ground G) and thesecond position (pivoted in the aft direction) and vice versa.

In one example, the transfer table 502 is configured to position theround bale B so that it can be slid in the direction 512 without theside of the round bale B getting caught on a portion of the first platensystem 504, such as the second plurality of lower fingers 152. This maybe accomplished by pivoting the transfer table 502, via the extension ofthe actuator 510, such that it pushes the round bale B far enough backinto the first platen system 504 so that the round bale B does notinitially contact the second plurality of lower fingers 152 of the firstplaten system 504. This ensures that the round bale B enters into thefirst platen system 504 without damage to the round bale B and withoutgetting hung up or stuck on the second plurality of lower fingers 152.

The first platen system 504 includes the upper platen 110, a bottomplaten 514, the banding unit 114 and the actuator 116. The first platensystem 504 may be supported on a frame 516, which may include one ormore ground wheels 516.1, 516.2. The frame 516 may include the supportstructure 502.2, which is coupled to and supports the pivotal movementof the transfer table 502. Generally, the upper platen 110 is rotatablycoupled to the bottom platen 514, and is rotatable by the actuator 116between a first position in which the upper platen 110 is spaced apartfrom the bottom platen 514 to define an opening 518 for receiving theround bale B from the transfer table 502; and a second position, inwhich the upper platen 110 cooperates with the bottom platen 514 torecompress the round bale B into a square bale. The bottom platen 514remains stationary during the recompression of the round bales B. Theupper platen 110 may include the support plates 160 or the supportplates 160 may be optional.

The bottom platen 514 includes the third plate member 170 and a fourthplate member 520. The fourth plate member 520 may be composed of a metalor metal alloy, and formed via casting, forging, stamping, etc. Thethird plate member 170 and the fourth plate member 520 may be integrallyformed, or may be discretely formed and coupled together via a suitabletechnique, such as welding, mechanical fasteners, etc. The third platemember 170 is coupled to the first plate member 120 of the upper platen110 such that the first plate member 120 is movable or pivotablerelative to the third plate member 170.

The fourth plate member 520 cooperates with the upper platen 110 tosecure the bale within the first platen system 504 during recompression.The fourth plate member 520 includes a third bottom plate end 522opposite a fourth bottom plate end 524. The third bottom plate end 522is coupled to the third plate member 170. The fourth bottom plate end524 defines the plurality of lower fingers 152 and includes theplurality of fourth banding channels 190. The fourth plate member 520also includes a first plate side 524 opposite a second plate side 526,and the pusher 202. The first plate side 524 and the second plate side526 extend from the third bottom plate end 522 to the fourth bottomplate end 524. As will be discussed, one of the bale accumulator wings506 may be coupled to the first plate side 524 and another one of thebale accumulator wings 506 may be coupled to the second plate side 526.

In this example, the pusher 202 is integrated into the fourth platemember 520 for moving a formed square bale to either one of the optionalbale accumulator wings 506, or for moving the formed square bale offeither side of the fourth plate member 520. In one example, the fourthplate member 520 includes a recessed area 530, which includes a firstrail 532, a second rail 534 and a slot 536. The first rail 532 isopposite the second rail 534, and each of the rails 532, 534 extendalong the fourth plate member 520 from the first plate side 524 to thesecond plate side 526. Thus, in this example, the rails 532, 534 extendin a direction that is substantially perpendicular to a direction offorward travel of the tractor 12 (FIG. 1). Each of the rails 532, 534include a pair of stops (not shown; substantially the same as the stops230.1, 230.2) at each of the first plate side 524 and the second plateside 526. The rails 532, 534 guide the pusher 202 as the pusher 202moves between the first stops and the second stops. The slot 536receives a portion of the pusher 202 to drive the pusher 202 between thefirst plate side 524 and the second plate side 526 along each of therails 532, 534.

The pusher 202 is coupled to the pusher hydraulic actuator 241, which isfluidly coupled to the hydraulic system of the baler 10. For example,the pusher hydraulic actuator 241 may include one or more hydrauliclines that connect the pusher hydraulic actuator 241 with the hydraulicsupply associated with the tractor 12. The pusher hydraulic actuator 241is responsive to the hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic systemto move the pusher 202 from the first plate side 524 to the second plateside 526 between each of the rails 532, 534 and vice versa. The leftprojection 244 and the right projection 246 of the pusher 202 contact around bale received from the transfer table 502 and cooperate with theupper flange 242 of the pusher 202 to move the round bale to therespective one of the bale accumulator wings 506 or off the fourth platemember 520 onto the ground surface G.

The optional one or more bale accumulator wings 506 are coupled to thefourth plate member 520. In this example, one bale accumulator wing506.1 is coupled to the first plate side 524 and one bale accumulatorwing 506.2 is coupled to the second plate side 526. In one example, eachof the bale accumulator wings 506.1, 506.2 includes a plurality ofinterconnected frame members 540. The plurality of interconnected framemembers 540 are generally connected together via mechanical fasteners,welding, etc., to define a substantially U-shape for receipt of a squarebale formed by the first platen system 504. Generally, one end of theinterconnected frame members 540 are coupled to the respective one ofthe first plate side 524 and the second plate side 526, and the oppositeend of the interconnected frame members 540 includes a cross-bar 542,which retains the square bale on the bale accumulator wing 506.1, 506.2.The bale accumulator wing 506.1, 506.2 may also be extendable andretractable, so as to be stowable along the respective first plate side524 and the second plate side 526 when not in use.

In certain embodiments, the bale accumulator wings 506.1, 506.2 may becoupled to fourth plate member 520 so as to be rotatable relative to thebottom platen 514 to deposit the square bales on a virtual trip line. Inone example, the bale accumulator wings 506.1, 506.2 are pivotallycoupled to the respective one of the first plate side 524 and the secondplate side 526, via a pivot pin or other arrangement that defines apivot axis WP1. A respective pivot arm (not shown) may be coupled to arespective one of the bale accumulator wings 506.1, 506.2, and moved bya respective actuator (not shown) to pivot the respective one of thebale accumulator wings 506.1, 506.2 about the pivot axis WP1 to depositthe square bales on the ground surface G. The pivot arms and theactuators may be coupled between the bale accumulator wings 506.1, 506.2and the support frame 502.2 that supports the transfer table 502. Theactuator may be a hydraulic cylinder, which is fluidly coupled to thehydraulic system of the baler 10; however, other actuators may beemployed. The actuators may move the bale accumulator wings 506.1, 506.2substantially simultaneously to deposit the square bales upon the groundsurface G, or may move the bale accumulator wings 506.1, 506.2independently. Moreover, a single actuator may be employed to move apivot arm coupled to a respective one of the bale accumulator wings506.1, 506.2. Further detail regarding the depositing of a bale on aground surface may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 9,622,420, previouslyincorporated herein by reference.

In one example, in order to assemble the first platen system 504, withthe first plate member 120 coupled to the second plate member 122 todefine the upper platen 110, the third plate member 170 is coupled tothe fourth plate member 520 to define the bottom platen 514. Thesupports 160.1, 160.2, if employed, are coupled to the first platemember 120 and the second plate member 122. The pusher 202 is coupled tothe fourth plate member 520, with the lower flange 240 disposed withinand partially below the slot 536, and the upper flange 242 is coupled tothe lower flange 240 to contact a received round bale B. The pusherhydraulic actuator 241 is coupled to the lower flange 240. The upperplaten 110 is coupled to the bottom platen 514 at the hinge 130, and theactuator 116 is coupled to the third plate member 170 and the firstplate member 120 to enable movement of the upper platen 110 between thefirst position and the second position. It should be noted that whilethe upper platen 110 is described herein as being coupled to the bottomplaten 514 via the hinge 130, the upper platen 110 may be coupled to thebottom platen 514 via a pivot pin or other device that enables the upperplaten 110 to pivot relative to the bottom platen 514.

With the first platen system 102 assembled, the first platen system 504is coupled to the transfer table 502 once the transfer table 502 isassembled. In certain embodiments, the transfer table 502 is pivotallycoupled to the baler 10, and the actuator 510 is coupled between thetransfer table 502 and a frame of the baler 10. The bale accumulatorwings 506.1, 506.2 are coupled to a respective one of the first plateside 524 and the second plate side 526. The respective pivot arms andactuators are coupled to the respective one of the bale accumulatorwings 506.1, 506.2 and to the support structure 502.2. The respectiveactuators 116, 510, 241 and actuators associated with the baleaccumulator wings 506.1, 506.2 are each coupled to the hydraulic systemof the baler 10 so as to be fluidly coupled to the hydraulic supply ofthe tractor 12.

Once the round bale B is formed in the bale forming chamber 22 of thebaler 10, the discharge gate 26 moves to the open discharge position torelease the formed round bale B. The formed round bale B contacts thetransfer table 502 and the transfer table 502 is actuated by theactuator 510 to pivot to the second position. As the transfer table 502moves to the second position, the round bale B is received within thefirst platen system 504. Once the round bale B is received within thefirst platen system 504, the transfer table 502 is moved from the secondposition to the first position.

With the upper platen 110 of the first platen system 504 in the firstposition, the actuator 116 of the first platen system 504 is actuated,based on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply of thetractor 12 through the hydraulic system of the baler 10, for example.The actuation of the actuator 116 rotates the upper platen 110 towardthe bottom platen 514 to recompress the round bale B. The actuator 116continues to rotate the upper platen 110 toward the bottom platen 514such that the upper fingers 144 interleave with the lower fingers 152(like that shown in FIG. 8) to recompress the round bale B into a squarebale. The banding unit 114 of each of the first platen system 102 andthe second platen system 104 may be activated to apply wrap material tothe square bale. The wrap material 198 passes through the first bandingchannels 132, the second banding channels 154, the third bandingchannels 180 and the fourth banding channels 190 to surround the squarebale.

With the square bale formed and wrapped, the upper platen 110 is rotatedfrom the second position to the first position, and once in the firstposition, the pusher hydraulic actuator 241 is actuated based onhydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply of the tractor 12through the hydraulic system of the baler 10, for example. The actuationof the pusher hydraulic actuator 241 drives the pusher 202 to move thesquare bale into one of the bale accumulator wings 506.1, 506.2.

With a first square bale formed, the discharge gate 26 may move to theopen discharge position to release a second round bale. Once the secondround bale is received on the transfer table 502, the transfer table 502is actuated by the actuator 510 to pivot to the second position. As thetransfer table 502 moves to the second position, the second round bale Bis received within the first platen system 504. Once the second roundbale B is received within the first platen system 504, the transfertable 502 is moved from the second position to the first position.

With the upper platen 110 of the first platen system 504 in the firstposition, the actuator 116 of the first platen system 504 is actuated,based on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply of thetractor 12 through the hydraulic system of the baler 10, for example.The actuation of the actuator 116 rotates the upper platen 110 towardthe bottom platen 514 to recompress the second round bale B. Theactuator 116 continues to rotate the upper platen 110 toward the bottomplaten 514 such that the upper fingers 144 interleave with the lowerfingers 152 (like that shown in FIG. 8) to recompress the second roundbale B into a second square bale. The banding unit 114 of each of thefirst platen system 102 and the second platen system 104 may beactivated to apply wrap material to the second square bale. The wrapmaterial 198 passes through the first banding channels 132, the secondbanding channels 154, the third banding channels 180 and the fourthbanding channels 190 to surround the second square bale.

With the second square bale formed, the upper platen 110 is rotated fromthe second position to the first position, and once in the firstposition, the pusher hydraulic actuator 241 is actuated based onhydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply of the tractor 12through the hydraulic system of the baler 10, for example. The actuationof the pusher hydraulic actuator 241 drives the pusher 202 to move thesecond square bale into the other of the bale accumulator wings 506.1,506.2.

With the upper platen 110 of the first platen system 102 in the firstposition, the actuators (not shown) associated with the bale accumulatorwings 506.1, 506.2 may be actuated, based on hydraulic fluid receivedfrom the hydraulic supply of the tractor 12 through the hydraulic systemof the baler 10, for example. The actuation of these actuators moves therespective pivot arms, and thus, the respective bale accumulator wings506.1, 506.2 to deposit the square bales SB, SB.1 on a virtual tripline. As the depositing of the bales on a virtual trip line is knownfrom commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 9,578,811 to Kraus et al., titled“Variable Rate Discharge System for Crop Accumulator,” which waspreviously incorporated herein by reference, the depositing of thesquare bales SB, SB.1 will not be discussed in detail herein.

Alternatively, in certain embodiments, when the bale accumulator wings506.1, 506.2 are not employed, the pusher 202 may be actuated to ejectthe square bale from the fourth plate member 520 of the first platensystem 504.

It should be noted that while the bale recompression system 100 isdescribed herein as including the first platen system 102 and the secondplaten system 104, it should be understood that the bale recompressionsystem 100 may be configured in a variety of ways. For example, withreference to FIG. 17, a bale recompression system 600 is shown. As thebale recompression system 600 is similar to the bale recompressionsystem 100 discussed with regard to FIGS. 1-12 and the balerecompression system 500 discussed with regard to FIG. 16, the samereference numerals will be used to denote the same or substantiallysimilar components. The bale recompression system 600 includes thetransfer table 502, a first platen system 602 and a bale accumulator604. In various embodiments, the bale recompression system 600 alsoincludes an accumulator control system 606, as will be discussed withregard to FIGS. 28-32.

The bale recompression system 600 is coupled to the baler 10 formovement with the baler 10 as the baler 10 is towed by the tractor 12.As will be discussed, the bale recompression system 600 receives theround bale B that is discharged by the discharge gate 26, andrecompresses the round bale B into a square bale. In this example, thefirst platen system 602 is towed substantially directly behind thetractor 12, and the transfer table 502 guides the round bale B from thedischarge gate 26 of the baler 10 into the first platen system 602.

The transfer table 502 interconnects the baler 10 and the first platensystem 602. As discussed, the transfer table 502 is substantially planarand is coupled to the baler 10 so as to be in a position for the roundbale B to be dropped on a surface 502.1 of the transfer table 502 whenthe discharge gate 26 opens. The transfer table 502 tilts and/or liftsthe round bale B in a generally aft direction to move the round bale Bin the direction 512 onto the first platen system 602. The transfertable 502 is movable about a pivot axis PT defined by a pivot pin 502.3between the first position (in which the transfer table 502 issubstantially parallel to a ground surface G) and the second position(in which the transfer table 502 is pivoted in the aft direction) by theactuator 510.

The first platen system 602 includes a frame 608, a first, upper platen610, a second, bottom platen 612, a third, movable platen 614, thebanding unit 114 and an actuation system 616. The banding unit 114 isshown in FIGS. 18 and 25, and is not shown in the remaining figures ofthe bale recompression system 600 for clarity. In addition, it will benoted that the position of the banding unit 114 illustrated in FIGS. 18and 25 is merely an example, as generally, the banding unit 114 may becoupled to or disposed in proximity to at least one of the upper platen610 and the bottom platen 612 to dispense the wrap material 198 about asquare bale SQ. As will be discussed, the actuation system 616 isoperable to move the upper platen 610 and the movable platen 614 torecompress the round bale B into the square bale SQ. The first platensystem 602 is supported on the frame 608, which may include one or moreground wheels 618, a plurality of interconnecting frame members 620 anda pair of vertical support beams 622. The interconnecting frame members620 and the pair of vertical support beams 622 may be composed of ametal or metal alloy, and formed via casting, forging, stamping, etc.The plurality of interconnecting frame members 620 forms a supportstructure or platform for the bottom platen 612, the bale accumulator604 and the actuation system 616. A second end 620.2 of the supportstructure formed by the interconnecting frame members 620 may be coupledto or may form part of the support structure 502.2 for the transfertable 502.

In one example, the pair of vertical support beams 622 each extendupwardly from a first end 620.1 of the support structure formed by theinterconnecting frame members 620. The pair of vertical support beams622 are each spaced apart from each other along the first end 620.1. Thepair of vertical support beams 622 are each coupled to the upper platen610, the movable platen 614 and the actuation system 616. The verticalsupport beams 622 each define a bore 621 at a first end 622.1 thatcooperate with the upper platen 610 to pivotally couple the upper platen610 to the vertical support beams 622. The first end 622.1 is opposite asecond end 622.2, and the first end 622.1 is coupled to the upper platen610 and the second end 622.2 is coupled to the second end 620.1 of theframe 608.

Generally, the upper platen 610 is rotatably coupled to the verticalsupport beams 622, and is rotatable by the actuation system 616 betweena first position in which the upper platen 610 is spaced apart from thebottom platen 612 to define an opening 623 for receiving the round baleB from the transfer table 502; and a second position, in which the upperplaten 610 cooperates with the bottom platen 612 and the movable platen614 to recompress the round bale B into a square bale. The bottom platen612 remains stationary during the recompression of the round bales B.

In one example, the upper platen 610 includes a first plate member 626and a second plate member 628. The first plate member 626 and the secondplate member 628 may be composed of a metal or metal alloy, and formedvia casting, forging, stamping, etc. The first plate member 626 and thesecond plate member 628 may be integrally formed, or may be discretelyformed and coupled together via a suitable technique, such as welding,mechanical fasteners, etc. The first plate member 626 and the secondplate member 628 may include one or more cross-beams 630 and verticalreinforcement beams 632 to provide structural rigidity to the respectivefirst plate member 626 and the second plate member 628. In one example,one of the cross-beams 630 includes a coupler 631 for coupling thesecond plate member 628 to the actuation system 616. In this example,the coupler 631 is an eye bolt; however, any coupler may be employed.Generally, the coupler 631 is coupled to one of the cross-beams 630 ofthe second plate member 628; however, the coupler 631 may be coupled toone of the cross-beams 630 of the first plate member 626, or may becoupled directly to one of the first plate member 626 and the secondplate member 628.

The first plate member 626 is rotatably coupled to the vertical supportbeams 622. The first plate member 626 is substantially planar andincludes a first plate end 634 opposite a second plate end 636. Thefirst plate end 634 includes a pair of first hinge brackets 638 and apair of second hinge brackets 640. The pair of first hinge brackets 638is coupled to a first side 626.1 of the first plate member 626, and thepair of second hinge brackets 640 is coupled to a first side 626.2 ofthe first plate member 626. The pair of first hinge brackets 638 and thepair of second hinge brackets 640 extend from the first plate member 626to pivotally couple the first plate member 626 to the vertical supportbeams 622. In one example, the pair of first hinge brackets 638 and thepair of second hinge brackets 640 each include a bore 642, which isdefined along a pivot axis P6. A pivot pin 644 is received through thebores 642 of the pair of first hinge brackets 638 and the bore 621 ofone of the vertical support beams 622; and a pivot pin 644 is receivedthrough the bores 642 of the pair of second hinge bracket 640 and thebore 621 of one of the vertical support beams 622. The pivot pins 644enable the upper platen 610 to rotate relative to the vertical supportbeams 622, and thus, the movable platen 614 and the bottom platen 612.The first plate member 626 also includes the plurality of first bandingchannels 132, which are defined through the first plate member 626 fromthe first plate end 634 to the second plate end 636. The second plateend 636 is coupled to the second plate member 628.

The second plate member 628 cooperates with the bottom platen 612 tosecure the bale within the first platen system 602 during recompression.The second plate member 628 is substantially planar and includes a thirdplate end 646 opposite a fourth plate end 648. The third plate end 646is coupled to the first plate member 626, and the fourth plate end 648contacts a portion of the bottom platen 612 when the upper platen 610 isin the second position. The second plate member 628 includes theplurality of second banding channels 154, which are defined through thesecond plate member 628 from the third plate end 646 to the fourth plateend 648. While not illustrated herein, the one or more support plates160 may be coupled to the first plate member 626 and the second platemember 628, if desired.

The bottom platen 612 includes a plate member 650. The plate member 650may be composed of a metal or metal alloy, and formed via casting,forging, stamping, etc. In one example, with reference to FIG. 18, theplate member 650 is substantially planar, and includes a first end 650.1opposite a second end 650.2 and a channel 652. The first end 650.1 iscoupled to the frame 608 near or adjacent to the first end 620.1 of thesupport structure formed by the interconnecting frame members 620. Thesecond end 650.2 is coupled to the frame 608 at the second end 620.2 ofthe support structure formed by the interconnecting frame members 620.The channel 652 is defined between the first end 650.1 and the secondend 650.2. The channel 652 receives a portion of the bale accumulator604 to couple the bale accumulator 604 to the bottom platen 514.Alternatively, the plate member 650 may be composed of multiple pieces,which are coupled together on either side of the bale accumulator 604.

The plate member 650 also includes a plurality of banding channels 654and one or more retaining projections 656. The plurality of bandingchannels 654 are defined through the plate member 650 from the first end650.1 to the second end 650.2. The plurality of banding channels 654 aredefined through the plate member 650 and cooperate with the banding unit114 to band the square bale after recompression. Each of the pluralityof banding channels 654 are generally spaced apart from each other alongthe plate member 650. The one or more retaining projections 656 extendupwardly and outwardly from the plate member 650. In one example, theone or more retaining projections 656 are substantially triangular inshape; however, the one or more retaining projections 656 may have anydesired shape. The one or more retaining projections 656 contact thefourth plate end 648 of the second plate member 628 in the secondposition and aid in preventing the movement of the second plate member628 toward the transfer table 502.

With reference to FIG. 17, the movable platen 614 is movable by theactuation system 616 to cooperate with the upper platen 610 torecompress the round bale B. Generally, the movable platen 614 ismovable between a first position, in which the movable platen 614 isnext to or adjacent to the first end 650.1 of the bottom platen 612(FIG. 17), and a second position, in which the movable platen 614 isnext to or adjacent to the channel 652 defined in the plate member 650to recompress the round bale B (FIG. 24). The movable platen 614 issubstantially perpendicular to the bottom platen 612 and moves in adirection substantially parallel to a surface of the plate member 650.The movable platen 614 includes a movable plate member 660, one or morecross-beams 662 and a pair of vertical support beams 664. The movableplate member 660, the cross-beams 662 and the vertical support beams 664may be composed of a metal or metal alloy, and formed via casting,forging, stamping, etc.

The movable plate member 660 is substantially planar, and includes afirst end 660.1 opposite a second end 660.2 and a plurality of bandingchannels 668. The first end 660.1 contacts the first plate end 634 ofthe first plate member 626 when the upper platen 610 is in the firstposition, and the second end 660.2 is slidable along a surface 650.3 ofthe plate member 650. The plurality of banding channels 668 are definedthrough the movable plate member 660 from the first end 660.1 to thesecond end 660.2. The plurality of banding channels 668 are definedthrough the movable plate member 660 and cooperate with the banding unit114 to band the square bale after recompression. Each of the pluralityof banding channels 668 are generally spaced apart from each other alongthe movable plate member 660.

The cross-beams 662 and the vertical support beams 664 are coupled to afirst side 660.3 of the movable plate member 660, which is opposite asecond side 660.4 that contacts the round bale B during recompression.With reference to FIG. 19, a detail view of the first side 660.3 of themovable plate member 660 is shown. In this example, the movable platen614 includes four cross-beams 662 coupled to the first side 660.3 of themovable plate member 660, but it should be understood that the movableplate member 660 may include any number of cross-beams 662. Thecross-beams 662 provide structural rigidity and reinforcement to themovable plate member 660.

The vertical support beams 664 are coupled to the first side 660.3, andcouple the movable platen 614 to the actuation system 616. Generally,the vertical support beams 664 extend along the first side 660.3 of themovable plate member 660 from the first end 660.1 to the second end660.2. In one example, each of the vertical support beams 664 define aplurality of cut-outs on a first beam side 664.1, such that the firstbeam side 664.1 is coupled to the first side 660.3 over each of theplurality of cross-beams 662. Each of the vertical support beams 664also include a second side 664.2 opposite the first side 664.1, and athird side 664.3 opposite a fourth side 664.4. The third side 664.3 andthe fourth side 664.4 are coupled to the actuation system 616. In oneexample, a first bore 670 is defined through each of the verticalsupport beams 664 from the third side 664.3 to the fourth side 664.4 ata first end 664.5 of the vertical support beams 664. A second bore 672is defined through each of the vertical support beams 664 from the thirdside 664.3 to the fourth side 664.4 at a second end 664.6 of thevertical support beams 664. The first bore 670 and the second bore 672couple the movable platen 614 to the actuation system 616.

With reference to FIG. 17, the actuation system 616 is shown in greaterdetail. In one example, the actuation system 616 includes an upperplaten actuation system 680 and a movable platen actuation system 682.The upper platen actuation system 680 is operable to move the upperplaten 610 between the first position and the second position, while themovable platen actuation system 682 is operable to move the movableplaten 614 between the first position and the second position. In oneexample, the upper platen actuation system 680 includes a first, liftactuator 684 and one or more second, pull actuators 686. The liftactuator 684 moves the upper platen 610 to the first position, and thepull actuators 686 move the upper platen 610 to the second position.

With reference to FIG. 20, the lift actuator 684 is coupled to the upperplaten 610. In one example, the lift actuator 684 includes a first end684.1 and an opposite second end 684.2. The first end 684.1 is coupledto the upper platen 610. In this example, the first end 684.1 issubstantially U-shaped, and defines a pair of coaxially aligned bores685. The first end 684.1 is coupled to the upper platen 610 via a pairof mounting flanges 688. The pair of mounting flanges 688 generallyextends from the surface 626.1 of the first plate member 626. The pairof mounting flanges 688 each defines a bore 688.1, and a pin is receivedthrough the bores 688.1 and the pair of coaxially aligned bores 685 tocouple the first end 684.1 to the pair of mounting flanges 688. Thesecond end 684.2 is coupled to the frame 608.

In this example, the lift actuator 684 is a hydraulic cylinder, which isin fluid communication with the hydraulic system of the baler 10. Itshould be noted that while the upper platen actuation system 680 isshown and described as including a single lift actuator 684, the upperplaten actuation system 680 may include any number of lift actuators684. In one example, the lift actuator 684 may include one or morehydraulic lines that connect the lift actuator 684 with the hydraulicsupply associated with the tractor 12. One or more electro-hydrauliccontrol valves of the hydraulic system of the baler 10 may be in fluidcommunication with the lift actuator 684 and electrically activatedaccording to signals from the ECU to control the flow of hydraulic fluidbetween the hydraulic supply associated with the tractor 12 and the liftactuator 684. The lift actuator 684 is responsive to hydraulic fluidreceived from the tractor 12 to move or rotate the upper platen 610relative to the bottom platen 612. Upon receipt of the hydraulic fluid,the lift actuator 684 extends, thereby rotating the upper platen 610relative to the bottom platen 612 and moving the upper platen 610 fromthe second position to the first position.

The pull actuators 686 are coupled to the bottom platen 612. In oneexample, the pull actuators 686 each include a first end 686.1 and anopposite second end 686.2. The first end 686.1 is coupled to arespective coupling member 690. In one example, the first end 686.1includes a sprocket 687 to couple the first end 686.1 to the respectivecoupling member 690. Generally, the sprocket 687 is movably coupled tothe first end 686.1, via a pin, for example. In this example, thesprocket 687 is a chain sprocket and the coupling member 690 is a rollerchain. It should be noted, however, that the coupling member 690 maycomprise a rope, twine, cable, etc., which may be coupled to the firstend 686.1 via any suitable technique, and thus, the first end 686.1 mayinclude any compatible device for cooperating with a selected couplingmember 690. The second end 686.2 of each of the pull actuators 686 iscoupled to the frame 608. In one example, the second end 686.2 of eachof the pull actuators 686 is coupled to the frame 608 via a pin 698.1that is received within a post 689.2 coupled to the frame 608, however,any suitable technique may be used to couple the second end 686.2 ofeach of the pull actuators 686 to the frame 608.

In addition, in this example, the frame 608 may include a cross-shaftassembly 691. In one example, the cross-shaft assembly 691 includes ashaft 693 and a pair of sprockets 695. The shaft 693 is received througha bore 697 defined in two or more of the interconnecting frame members620. The shaft 693 generally extends along an axis that is substantiallyperpendicular to the direction of forward travel of the tractor 12 so asto interconnect the coupling members 690 on each side of the upperplaten 610. The shaft 693 may be composed of metal or metal alloy, andmay be stamped, rolled, forged, cast, etc. The shaft 693 may be a solidrod, or may be a hollow tubular structure. A first end 693.1 of theshaft 693 includes a first one of the pair of sprockets 695, and anopposite, second end 693.2 of the shaft 693 includes a second one of thepair of sprockets 695. Each of the pair of sprockets 695 is movablycoupled to the respective end 693.1, 693.2 of the shaft 693, via a pin,for example, to guide the respective one of the coupling members 690during a movement of the upper platen 610. It should be noted, however,that the ends 693.1, 693.2 of the shaft 693 may include a guide or otherfeature that directs the coupling member 690 along the respective one ofthe pull actuators 686 from the second end 686.2 to the first end 686.1.Generally, the cross-shaft assembly 691 ensures that the couplingmembers 690 are substantially synchronized during the movement of theupper platen 610 between the first position and the second position andthereby inhibit the upper platen 610 from twisting as the upper platen610 moves between the first position and the second position. Further,the cross-shaft assembly 691 enables the pull actuators 686 to share theload involved in moving the upper platen 610 from the first position tothe second position. For example, in an instance where the round bale iscone-shaped, such that one of the pull actuators 686 encounters agreater load than the other, the cross-shaft assembly 691 enables theload to be shared between each of the pull actuators 686.

In this example, each of the pull actuators 686 is a hydraulic cylinder,which is in fluid communication with the hydraulic system of the baler10. It should be noted that while the upper platen actuation system 680is shown and described as including two pull actuators 686, the upperplaten actuation system 680 may include any number of pull actuators686. In one example, the pull actuators 686 may each include one or morehydraulic lines that connect the respective pull actuator 686 with thehydraulic supply associated with the tractor 12. One or moreelectro-hydraulic control valves of the hydraulic system of the baler 10may be in fluid communication with the respective pull actuator 686 andelectrically activated according to signals from the ECU to control theflow of hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic supply associated with thetractor 12 and the respective pull actuator 686. Each of the pullactuators 686 is responsive to hydraulic fluid received from the tractor12 to move or rotate the upper platen 610 relative to the bottom platen612. Upon receipt of the hydraulic fluid, each of the pull actuators 686extends, thereby pulling the coupling members 690 to rotate the upperplaten 610 relative to the bottom platen 612 and moving the upper platen610 from the first position to the second position. Once the hydraulicfluid is released from each of the pull actuators 686, the first end686.1 retracts towards the second end 686.2, resulting in slack in thecoupling members 690. The slack on the coupling members 690 enables thelift actuator 684 to move the upper platen 610 from the second positionto the first position.

With reference to FIG. 19, the movable platen actuation system 682includes a first scissors linkage 692, a second scissors linkage 694, apair of cross-members 696, one or more connector links 698 and one ormore actuators 700. The scissors linkages 692, 694 are configured toimpart translation movement to the movable platen 614 and may effectsuch translation with any type of input actuation, including translationand pivotal input force. In the illustrated example, the first linkage692 and the second linkage 694 are scissor linkages, in particular,split scissor linkages in which an upper linkage of each scissorslinkage 692, 694 has a pivot point that is movable (e.g., verticallyseparable) with respect to a pivot point of a lower linkage of eachscissors linkage 692, 694. As the first linkage 692 is the same as thesecond linkage 694, for ease of description, the second linkage 694 willbe described in detail herein, with the same reference numerals used todenote the same features of the first linkage 692. Also for simplicity,the scissors linkages 692, 694 will be referred to below as first andsecond linkages 692, 694. In one example, with reference to FIG. 20, thesecond linkage 694 includes a pair of first links 702, a pair of secondlinks 704, a pair of third links 706, a pair of fourth links 708, a pairof fifth links 710 and a pair of sixth links 711. The first links 702,the second links 704, the third links 706, the fourth links 708, thefifth links 710 and the sixth links 711 may be composed of a metal ormetal alloy, and formed via casting, forging, stamping, etc.

Each of the first links 702 has a first end 702.1 opposite a second end702.2 and a plurality of bores 712 defined between the first end 702.1and the second end 702.2. A first bore 712.1 is defined through each ofthe first links 702 at the first end 702.1, a second bore 712.2 isdefined through each of the first links 702 at the second end 702.2 anda third bore 712.3 is defined through each of the first links 702between the first bore 712.1 and the second bore 712.2. The first bore712.1 couples the first links 702 to the actuator 700, and the secondbore 712.2 couples the first links 702 to the second links 706. Thethird bore 712.3 couples the first links 702 to the vertical supportbeam 622. For example, a pin, bolt or other mechanical fastener isreceived through the first bore 712.3 to couple the first links 702 tothe vertical support beam 622, thus forming a first pair of laterallyspaced apart pivotal mounting locations for the first links 702 to themovable platen 614, one for each of the first linkage 692 and the secondlinkage 694.

Each of the second links 704 has a first end 704.1 opposite a second end704.2 and a plurality of bores 714 defined between the first end 704.1and the second end 704.2. A first bore 714.1 is defined through each ofthe second links 704 at the first end 704.1, a second bore 714.2 isdefined through each of the second links 704 at the second end 704.2 anda third bore 714.3 is defined through each of the second links 704between the first bore 714.1 and the second bore 714.2. The first bore714.1 couples the second links 704 to one of the cross-members 696 andto the first links 702, and the second bore 714.2 couples the secondlinks 704 to the third links 706. The third bore 714.3 is couples thesecond links 704 to one of the connector links 698.

Each of the pair of third links 706 has a first end 706.1 opposite asecond end 706.2 and a plurality of bores 716 defined between the firstend 706.1 and the second end 706.2. A first bore 716.1 is definedthrough each of the third links 706 at the first end 706.1, a secondbore 716.2 is defined through each of the third links 706 at the secondend 706.2 and a third bore 716.3 is defined through each of the thirdlinks 706 between the first bore 716.1 and the second bore 716.2. Thefirst bore 716.1 couples the third links 706 to second link 704. In oneexample, a rod 718 is received within the first bore 716.1 of the thirdlinks 706 and the second bore 714.2 of the second links 704 to couplethe second links 704 to the third links 706. The second bore 716.2couples the third links 706 to the movable platen 614. In one example, apin is received through the second bores 716.2 and the second bore 762defined in the movable platen 614 to couple the movable platen 614 tothe third links 706 near or adjacent to the second end 660.2 of themovable platen 614. The third bore 712.3 is optional.

Each of the fourth links 708 has a first end 708.1 opposite a second end708.2 and a plurality of bores 722 defined between the first end 708.1and the second end 708.2. A first bore 722.1 is defined through each ofthe fourth links 708 at the first end 708.1, a second bore 722.2 isdefined through each of the fourth links 708 at the second end 708.2 anda third bore 722.3 is defined through each of the fourth links 708between the first bore 722.1 and the second bore 722.2. The first bore722.1 couples the fourth links 708 to the actuator 700, and the secondbore 722.2 couples the fourth links 708 to the fifth links 710 and toone of the cross-members 696. The third bore 722.3 couples the fourthlinks 708 to one of the connector links 698.

Each of the fifth links 710 has a first end 710.1 opposite a second end710.2 and a plurality of bores 724 defined between the first end 710.1and the second end 710.2. A first bore 724.1 is defined through each ofthe fifth links 710 at the first end 710.1, a second bore 724.2 isdefined through each of the fifth links 710 at the second end 710.2 anda third bore 724.3 is defined through each of the fifth links 710between the first bore 724.1 and the second bore 724.2. The first bore724.1 couples the fifth links 710 to one of the cross-members 696 and tothe fourth links 708, and the second bore 724.2 couples the fifth links710 to the sixth links 711. The third bore 724.3 is optional.

Each of the pair of sixth links 711 has a first end 711.1 opposite asecond end 711.2 and a plurality of bores 725 defined between the firstend 706.1 and the second end 711.2. A first bore 725.1 is definedthrough each of the sixth links 711 at the first end 711.1, a secondbore 725.2 is defined through each of the sixth links 711 at the secondend 725.2 and a third bore 725.3 is defined through each of the sixthlinks 711 between the first bore 725.1 and the second bore 725.2. Thefirst bore 725.1 couples the sixth links 711 to fifth links 710. In oneexample, a rod 720 is received within the first bore 725.1 of the sixthlinks 711 and the second bore 724.2 of the fifth links 710 to couple thesixth links 711 to the fifth links 710. The second bore 725.2 couplesthe sixth links 711 to the movable platen 614. In one example, a pin isreceived through the second bores 725.2 and the first bore 670 definedin the movable platen 614 to couple the movable platen 614 to the sixthlinks 711 near or adjacent to the first end 660.1 of the movable platen614 thus forming a second pair of laterally spaced apart pivotalmounting locations for the sixth links 711 to the movable platen 614,one for each of the first linkage 692 and the second linkage 694. Thepivotal mounting locations are at fixed locations relative to themovable platen 614. The second pair of pivotal mounting locations isspaced apart from the first pair of pivotal mounting locations to be atdifferent heights, such as the upper and lower areas of the movableplaten 614 (e.g., at or near upper and lower ones of the cross-beams662). The third bore 725.3 is optional.

Generally, the first links 702 are fixedly coupled to the second links704 such that the first links 702 do not move relative to the secondlinks 704 and vice versa. It should be noted that while the first links702 and the second links 704 are described herein as separate anddiscrete components, one or more of the first links 702 and the secondlinks 704 may be integrally formed. Moreover, one or more of the firstlinks 702, the second links 704 and the rod 718 may be coupled togethervia welding, for example, to ensure that the first links 702 and thesecond links 704 move and act as a single unit. It should be noted,however, that splined coupling or other techniques may be used to ensurethat the first links 702 and the second links 704 move and act as asingle unit. Generally, the third links 706 are movable or pivotablerelative to the second links 704.

In addition, the fourth links 708 are fixedly coupled to the fifth links710 such that the fourth links 708 do not move relative to the fifthlinks 710 and vice versa. It should be noted that while the fourth links708 and the fifth links 710 are described herein as separate anddiscrete components, one or more of the fourth links 708 and the fifthlinks 710 may be integrally formed. Moreover, one or more of the fourthlinks 708, the fifth links 710 and the rod 720 may be coupled togethervia welding, for example, to ensure that the fourth links 708 and thefifth links 710 move and act as a single unit. It should be noted,however, that splined coupling or other techniques may be used to ensurethat the fourth links 708 and the fifth links 710 move and act as asingle unit. Generally, the sixth links 711 are movable or pivotablerelative to the fifth links 710.

The pair of cross-members 696 each act as a torsion bar and maintain alateral (left and right) alignment of the movable platen 614 as themovable platen 614 moves between the first position and the secondposition. In one example, the pair of cross-members 696 includes a firstcross-member 696.1 and a second cross-member 696.2. The pair ofcross-members 696 are composed of a metal or metal alloy, and formed viacasting, forging, stamping, etc. In this example, the pair ofcross-members 696 are each tubular; however, the pair of cross-members696 may have any desired shape. The first cross-member 696.1interconnects the first links 702 and second links 704. In one example,the first cross-member 696.1 is received through the second bores 712.2of the first links 702 and the first bores 714.1 of the second links704. The second cross-member 696.2 interconnects the fourth links 708and the fifth links 710. In one example, the second cross-member 696.2is received through the second bores 722.2 of the fourth links 708 andthe first bores 724.1 of the fifth links 710. Each of the pair ofcross-members 696 may also include a flange, cap or other device at eachend to securely couple each of the pair of cross-members 696 to therespective links 702, 704, 708, 710.

The one or more connector links 698 ensure the first end 660.1 of themovable plate member 660 moves substantially simultaneously with thesecond end 660.2 of the movable plate member 660. Thus, the connectorlinks 698 cooperate with the pair of cross-members 696 to ensure thatthe movable platen 614 moves in a uniform manner from the first positionto the second position to recompress the round bale B. In one example,the connector links 698 comprise four connector links 698. Each of theconnector links 698 includes a first end 698.1 opposite a second end698.2. The first end 698.1 and the second end 698.2 each define a peg734.1, 734.2. The pegs 734.1 of the connector links 698 are eachreceived within the third bores 722.3 of the fourth links 708 to couplethe respective connector links 698 to the fourth links 708. The pegs734.2 of the connector links 698 are received within the third bores714.3 of the second links 704 to couple the connector links 698 to thesecond links 704. Thus, generally, the connector links 698 interconnectthe fourth links 708 with the second links 704 to ensure that themovement of a top of the respective linkage 692, 694 is synchronizedwith a movement of a bottom of the respective linkage 692, 694, therebyensuring the first end 660.1 of the movable platen 614 moves in unisonwith the second end 660.2 of the movable platen 614.

The one or more actuators 700 move the movable platen 614 between thefirst position and the second position. The actuators 700 may be rotaryor linear actuators of various types. The actuators 700 are coupled tothe first links 702 and the fourth links 708. In one example, theactuators 700 include a first actuator 700.1 coupled to the firstlinkage 692, and a second actuator 700.2 is coupled to the secondlinkage 694. It should be noted that while the movable platen actuationsystem 682 is shown and described as including two actuators 700, themovable platen actuation system 682 may include any number of actuators700. Each of the actuators 700 includes a first end 740.1, 740.2 and anopposite second end 742.1, 742.2. Mounting projections 744.1, 744.2 aredefined near or adjacent to the first end 740.1, 740.2. The mountingprojections 744.1, 744.2 extend from either side of the respectiveactuator 700.1, 700.2. The mounting projections 744.1 of the actuator700.1 are coupled to the fourth links 708 of the first linkage 692 andthe mounting projections 744.2 of the actuator 700.2 are coupled to thefourth links 708 of the second linkage 694. The second end 742.1, 742.2of each of the actuators 700 includes second mounting projections 746.1,746.2. The second mounting projections 746.1, 746.2 extend from eitherside of the respective actuator 700.1, 700.2. The second mountingprojections 746.1 of the actuator 700.1 are coupled to the first links702 of the first linkage 692 and the second mounting projections 746.2of the actuator 700.2 are coupled to the first links 702 of the secondlinkage 694.

In this example, each of the actuators 700 is a hydraulic cylinder, andthe first ends 740.1, 740.2 are cylinders and the second ends 742.1,742.2 are pistons. The hydraulic cylinders are in fluid communicationwith the hydraulic system of the baler 10. In one example, the actuators700 may each include one or more hydraulic lines that connect therespective actuator 700 with the hydraulic supply associated with thetractor 12. One or more electro-hydraulic control valves of thehydraulic system of the baler 10 may be in fluid communication with therespective actuator 700 and electrically activated according to signalsfrom the ECU to control the flow of hydraulic fluid between thehydraulic supply associated with the tractor 12 and the respectiveactuator 700. Each of the actuators 700 is responsive to hydraulic fluidreceived from the tractor 12 to move the first linkage 692 and thesecond linkage 694 to move the movable platen 614 from the firstposition to the second position. Upon receipt of the hydraulic fluid,each of the actuators 700 retracts, thereby causing the first linkage692 and the second linkage 694 to extend, moving the movable platen 614from the first position to the second position. Once the hydraulic fluidis released from each of the actuators 700, the second ends 742.1, 742.2extend towards the first ends 740.1, 740.2, resulting in the retractionof the first linkage 692 and the second linkage 694.

With reference to FIG. 18, the bale accumulator 604 is shown coupled tothe bottom platen 612. The bale accumulator 604 includes the pusher 202and the one or more optional bale accumulator wings 506. In thisexample, the pusher 202 is integrated into the bottom platen 612 formoving a formed square bale to either one of the optional baleaccumulator wings 506, or for moving the formed square bale off eitherside of the plate member 650. In one example, the channel 652 of theplate member 650 is coupled to a first rail 750, a second rail 752 and aslot 754. The first rail 750 is opposite the second rail 752, and eachof the rails 750, 752 extend along the plate member 650 from a firstplate side 754 to a second plate side 756. Thus, in this example, therails 750, 752 extend in a direction that is substantially perpendicularto a direction of forward travel of the tractor 12 (FIG. 1). The rails750, 752 guide the pusher 202 as the pusher 202 moves between the firstplate side 754 and the second plate side 756. The slot 754 receives aportion of the pusher 202 to drive the pusher 202 between the firstplate side 754 to a second plate side 756 along each of the rails 750,752.

The pusher 202 is coupled to the pusher hydraulic actuator 241 (FIG.17), which is fluidly coupled to the hydraulic system of the baler 10.The pusher hydraulic actuator 241 is responsive to the hydraulic fluidreceived from the hydraulic system to move the pusher 202 from the firstplate side 754 to a second plate side 756 between each of the rails 750,752 and vice versa. The left projection 244 and the right projection 246of the pusher 202 contact a round bale received from the transfer table502 and cooperate with the upper flange 242 of the pusher 202 to movethe round bale to the respective one of the bale accumulator wings 506or off the plate member 650 onto the ground surface G (FIG. 17).

The optional one or more bale accumulator wings 506 are coupled to theplate member 650. In this example, one bale accumulator wing 506.1 iscoupled to the first plate side 754 and one bale accumulator wing 506.2is coupled to the second plate side 756. Generally, one end of theinterconnected frame members 540 are coupled to the respective one ofthe first plate side 754 and the second plate side 756, and the oppositeend of the interconnected frame members 540 includes the cross-bar 542,which retains the square bale on the bale accumulator wing 506.1, 506.2.The bale accumulator wings 506.1, 506.2 are also be extendable andretractable, so as to be stowable along the respective first plate side754 and the second plate side 756 when not in use.

In certain embodiments, the bale accumulator wings 506.1, 506.2 may becoupled to the plate member 650 so as to be rotatable relative to theplate member 650 to deposit the square bales on a virtual trip line. Inone example, with reference to FIG. 17, the bale accumulator wings506.1, 506.2 are pivotally coupled to the respective one of the firstplate side 754 and the second plate side 756, via a pivot pin or otherarrangement that defines the pivot axis WP1. A respective pivot arm (notshown) may be coupled to a respective one of the bale accumulator wings506.1, 506.2, and moved by a respective actuator (not shown) to pivotthe respective one of the bale accumulator wings 506.1, 506.2 about thepivot axis WP1 to deposit the square bales on the ground surface G. Thepivot arms and the actuators may be coupled between the bale accumulatorwings 506.1, 506.2 and the support frame 502.2 that supports thetransfer table 502. The actuator may be a hydraulic cylinder, which isfluidly coupled to the hydraulic system of the baler 10; however, otheractuators may be employed. The actuators may move the bale accumulatorwings 506.1, 506.2 substantially simultaneously to deposit the squarebales upon the ground surface G, or may move the bale accumulator wings506.1, 506.2 independently. Moreover, a single actuator may be employedto move a pivot arm coupled to a respective one of the bale accumulatorwings 506.1, 506.2. Further detail regarding the depositing of a bale ona ground surface may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 9,622,420, previouslyincorporated herein by reference.

In one example, in order to assemble the first platen system 602, withthe cross-beams 630 and the reinforcement beams 632 coupled to each ofthe first plate member 626 and the second plate member 628, the firstplate member 626 is coupled to the second plate member 628 to define theupper platen 610. The first hinge brackets 638 are coupled to the firstplate end 634. The frame 608 is assembled with the interconnecting framemembers 620 joined together to form the support structure. The verticalsupport beams 622 are coupled to the frame 608. The bottom platen 612 iscoupled to the frame 608, and the bale accumulator 604, with the pusher202 coupled to the slot 754 (FIG. 18), is coupled to the channel 652.The pusher hydraulic actuator 241 is coupled to the pusher 202 and theframe 608. The bale accumulator wings 506.1, 506.2 are coupled to therespective one of the first plate side 754 and the second plate side756.

With reference to FIG. 20, the first linkage 692 is assembled, andcoupled to one of the vertical support beams 622. The second linkage 694is assembled, and coupled to the other one of the vertical support beams622. The cross-member 696.1 is coupled to the first links 702 and thesecond links 704; and the cross-member 696.2 is coupled to the fourthlinks 708 and the fifth links 710. The third links 706 and the sixthlinks 711 are coupled to the vertical support beams 664 of the movableplate member 660, thereby coupling the movable platen 614 to the firstlinkage 692 and the second linkage 694. The connector links 698 arecoupled to the fourth links 708 and the second links 704. The actuators700 are coupled to the respective vertical support beams 622.

Referring back to FIG. 17, with the transfer table 502 and actuator 510assembled and coupled to the support structure 502.2, the supportstructure 502.2, including the transfer table 502, is coupled to theframe 608. The lift actuator 684 is coupled to the upper platen 610 andto the frame 608. With the pull actuators 686 coupled to the frame 608,the coupling members 690 are coupled to the sprockets 687 of the pullactuators 686, the sprockets 695 and the coupler 631.

With the bale recompression system 600 assembled, the respective pivotarms and actuators are coupled to the respective one of the baleaccumulator wings 506.1, 506.2 and to the support frame 502.2. Therespective hydraulic actuators 241, 510, 684, 686, 700 and actuatorsassociated with the bale accumulator wings 506.1, 506.2 are each coupledto the hydraulic system of the baler 10 so as to be fluidly coupled tothe hydraulic supply of the tractor 12.

Once the round bale B is formed in the bale forming chamber 22 of thebaler 10, the discharge gate 26 moves to the open discharge position torelease the formed round bale B. With reference to FIG. 21, the formedround bale B contacts the transfer table 502 and the transfer table 502is actuated by the actuator 510 to pivot from the first position (FIG.17) to the second position (FIG. 21). As the transfer table 502 moves tothe second position, the round bale B is received within the firstplaten system 602. Generally, with reference to FIG. 22, the round baleB rolls from the transfer table 502 onto the plate member 650 andcontinues to roll until the round bale B contacts the movable platemember 660.

With reference to FIG. 23, once the round bale B is received within thefirst platen system 602, the transfer table 502 is moved from the secondposition to the first position. The pull actuators 686 are actuated,based on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply of thetractor 12 through the hydraulic system of the baler 10, to move theupper platen 610 from the first position (FIG. 17) to the secondposition (FIG. 23). In the second position, the second plate member 628contacts the retaining projections 656. As shown, the movement of theupper platen 610 to the second position recompresses the round bale Binto a substantially elongated rectangular shape.

With reference to FIG. 24, with the upper platen 610 in the secondposition, the actuators 700.1, 700.2 are actuated, based on hydraulicfluid received from the hydraulic supply of the tractor 12 through thehydraulic system of the baler 10, to substantially simultaneously movethe first linkage 692 and the second linkage 694. The movement of thefirst linkage 692 and the second linkage 694 causes the movable platen614 to move from the first position (FIG. 17) to the second position(FIG. 24). In the second position, the round bale B is furtherrecompressed into a substantially square shape to form the square baleSQ. The banding unit 114 of the first platen system 1104 may beactivated to apply wrap material to the square bale SQ. The wrapmaterial 198 passes through the first banding channels 132, the secondbanding channels 154, the banding channels 654 and the banding channels668 to surround the square bale SQ.

Referring to FIG. 25, with the square bale SQ formed, the pusherhydraulic actuator 241 is actuated based on hydraulic fluid receivedfrom the hydraulic supply of the tractor 12 through the hydraulic systemof the baler 10, for example. The actuation of the pusher hydraulicactuator 241 drives the pusher 202 to move the square bale into one ofthe bale accumulator wings 506.1, 506.2.

Referring to FIG. 26, with the square bale SQ on one of the baleaccumulator wings 506.1, 506.2, the hydraulic pressure is released fromthe pull actuators 686, which causes the pull actuators 686 to retractthereby causing slack on the coupling members 690. The lift actuator 684is actuated based on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supplyof the tractor 12 through the hydraulic system of the baler 10, forexample. The actuation of the lift actuator 684 moves the upper platen610 from the second position to the first position.

Referring to FIG. 27, with the upper platen 610 in the first position,the hydraulic pressure is released from the actuators 700.1, 700.2,which causes the first linkage 692 and the second linkage 694 toretract, thereby moving the movable platen 614 from the second positionto the first position. With the upper platen 610 and the movable platen614 in the first position, the bale recompression system 600 is ready toaccept another round bale B from the baler 10 for recompression.

With the first square bale SQ formed, the discharge gate 26 may move tothe open discharge position to release a second round bale. Once thesecond round bale is received on the transfer table 502, the transfertable 502 is actuated by the actuator 510 to pivot to the secondposition. As the transfer table 502 moves to the second position, thesecond round bale B is received within the first platen system 602. Oncethe second round bale B is received within the first platen system 602,the transfer table 502 is moved from the second position to the firstposition. The pull actuators 686 are actuated based on hydraulic fluidreceived from the hydraulic supply of the tractor 12 through thehydraulic system of the baler 10, to move the upper platen 610 from thefirst position (FIG. 17) to the second position (FIG. 23). In the secondposition, the second plate member 628 contacts the retaining projections656. As shown, the movement of the upper platen 610 to the secondposition recompresses the second round bale B into a substantiallyelongated rectangular shape.

With the upper platen 610 in the second position, the actuators 700.1,700.2 are actuated, based on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulicsupply of the tractor 12 through the hydraulic system of the baler 10,to substantially simultaneously move the first linkage 692 and thesecond linkage 694. The movement of the first linkage 692 and the secondlinkage 694 causes the movable platen 614 to move from the firstposition (FIG. 17) to the second position (FIG. 24). In the secondposition, the second round bale B is further recompressed into asubstantially square shape to form a second square bale SQ. The bandingunit 114 of the first platen system 602 may be activated to apply wrapmaterial to the second square bale SQ. The banding unit 114 of the firstplaten system 1104 may be activated to apply wrap material to the secondsquare bale SQ. The wrap material 198 passes through the first bandingchannels 132, the second banding channels 154, the banding channels 654and the banding channels 668 to surround the second square bale SQ.

With the second square bale SQ formed, the pusher hydraulic actuator 241is actuated based on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supplyof the tractor 12 through the hydraulic system of the baler 10, forexample. The actuation of the pusher hydraulic actuator 241 drives thepusher 202 to move the second square bale into the other one of the baleaccumulator wings 506.1, 506.2.

With the second square bale SQ on the other one of the bale accumulatorwings 506.1, 506.2, the hydraulic pressure is released from the pullactuators 686, which causes the pull actuators 686 to retract therebycausing slack on the coupling members 690. The lift actuator 684 isactuated based on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply ofthe tractor 12 through the hydraulic system of the baler 10, forexample. The actuation of the lift actuator 684 moves the upper platen610 from the second position to the first position.

With the upper platen 610 in the first position, the hydraulic pressureis released from the actuators 700.1, 700.2, which causes the firstlinkage 692 and the second linkage 694 to retract, thereby moving themovable platen 614 from the second position to the first position. Withthe upper platen 610 and the movable platen 614 in the first position,the bale recompression system 600 is ready to accept another round baleB from the baler 10 for recompression.

Further, with square bales on both of the bale accumulator wings 506.1,506.2 and the upper platen 610 of the first platen system 602 in thefirst position, the actuators (not shown) associated with the baleaccumulator wings 506.1, 506.2 may be actuated, based on hydraulic fluidreceived from the hydraulic supply of the tractor 12 through thehydraulic system of the baler 10, for example. The actuation of theseactuators moves the respective pivot arms, and thus, the respective baleaccumulator wings 506.1, 506.2 to deposit the square bales on a virtualtrip line. As the depositing of the bales on a virtual trip line isknown from commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 9,578,811 to Kraus et al.,titled “Variable Rate Discharge System for Crop Accumulator,” which isincorporated herein by reference, the depositing of the square baleswill not be discussed in detail herein.

Alternatively, in certain embodiments, when the bale accumulator wings506.1, 506.2 are not employed, the pusher 202 may be actuated to ejectthe square bale from the plate member 650 of the first platen system602.

With reference to FIG. 28, a functional block diagram of the accumulatorcontrol system 606 is shown. In various embodiments, the accumulatorcontrol system 606 includes various components associated with the baler10, the bale recompression system 600 and the tractor 12. In oneexample, the accumulator control system 606 includes one or more tractorhydraulic pumps 800, one or more control valves 802, a controller 804, ahuman-machine or operator interface 806 and one or more sensors 808. Theone or more tractor hydraulic pumps 800 and the one or more controlvalves 802, along with various lines, hoses, conduits, define ahydraulic circuit that supplies hydraulic fluid to the hydraulicactuators 241, 510, 684, 686, 700 and actuators associated with the baleaccumulator wings 506.1, 506.2 based on one or more control signals fromthe controller 804.

Generally, the tractor 12 includes the one or more tractor hydraulicpumps 800, which may be driven by an engine of the tractor 12. Flow fromthe tractor hydraulic pumps 800 may be routed through the one or morecontrol valves 802 of the tractor 12 and baler 10 and various conduits(e.g., flexible hoses) in order to drive the hydraulic cylinders orhydraulic actuators 241, 510, 684, 686, 700 and actuators associatedwith the bale accumulator wings 506.1, 506.2. Flow from the tractorhydraulic pumps 800 may also power various other components of thetractor 12 and/or baler 10. The flow from the tractor hydraulic pumps800 may be controlled in various ways (e.g., through control of thevarious control valves 802), in order to cause movement of the hydraulicactuators 241, 510, 684, 686, 700 and actuators associated with the baleaccumulator wings 506.1, 506.2. In this way, for example, a movement ofthe baler 10 and/or bale recompression system 600 may be implemented byvarious control signals to the tractor hydraulic pumps 800, controlvalves 802, and so on. Generally, each of the control valves 802 may becontrolled by the controller 804 between one of three positions. In oneexample, the control valves 802 have a first, open position, in whichhydraulic fluid from the tractor hydraulic pumps 800 flows into arespective one of the hydraulic actuators 241, 510, 684, 686, 700 andactuators associated with the bale accumulator wings 506.1, 506.2; asecond, open position, in which hydraulic fluid from the tractorhydraulic pumps 800 is released from the respective one of the hydraulicactuators 241, 510, 684, 686, 700 and actuators associated with the baleaccumulator wings 506.1, 506.2; and a third, closed position, in whichhydraulic fluid from the tractor hydraulic pumps 800 does not flow intothe respective one of the hydraulic actuators 241, 510, 684, 686, 700 tomaintain a hydraulic pressure within the respective one of the hydraulicactuators 241, 510, 684, 686, 700 and actuators associated with the baleaccumulator wings 506.1, 506.2.

Generally, the controller 804 (or multiple controllers) may be provided,for control of various aspects of the operation of the baler 10, ingeneral. The controller 804 (or others) may be configured as a computingdevice with associated processor devices and memory architectures, as ahard-wired computing circuit (or circuits), as a programmable circuit,as a hydraulic, electrical or electro-hydraulic controller, orotherwise. As such, the controller 804 may be configured to executevarious computational and control functionality with respect to thebaler 10 (or other machinery). In some embodiments, the controller 804may be configured to receive input signals in various formats (e.g., ashydraulic signals, voltage signals, current signals, and so on), and tooutput command signals in various formats (e.g., as hydraulic signals,voltage signals, current signals, mechanical movements, and so on). Insome embodiments, the controller 804 (or a portion thereof) may beconfigured as an assembly of hydraulic components (e.g., valves, flowlines, pistons and cylinders, and so on), such that control of variousdevices (e.g., pumps or motors) may be effected with, and based upon,hydraulic, mechanical, or other signals and movements.

The controller 804 may be in electronic, hydraulic, mechanical, or othercommunication with various other systems or devices of the baler 10,such as the ECU of the baler 10, the bale recompression system 600 andthe tractor 12 (or other machinery). For example, the controller 804 maybe in electronic or hydraulic communication with various actuators,sensors, and other devices within (or outside of) the baler 10, the ECUof the baler 10, the bale recompression system 600 and the tractor 12including various devices associated with the pumps 800, control valves802, and so on. The controller 804 may communicate with other systems ordevices (including other controllers) in various known ways, includingvia a CAN bus (not shown) of the baler 10 or the tractor 12, viawireless or hydraulic communication means, or otherwise. In thisexample, the controller 804 is associated with the baler 10, however, itwill be understood that the controller 804 may be associated with thetractor 12, the bale recompression system 600, or may be associated witha remote device, such as a portable electronic device.

In some embodiments, the controller 804 may be configured to receiveinput commands and to interface with an operator via the human-machineinterface or operator interface 806, which may be disposed inside a cab12.1 of the tractor 12 for easy access by the operator. The operatorinterface 806 may be configured in a variety of ways. In someembodiments, the operator interface 806 may include one or morejoysticks, various switches or levers, one or more buttons, atouchscreen interface that may be overlaid on a display, a keyboard, aspeaker, a microphone associated with a speech recognition system, orvarious other human-machine interface devices.

Various sensors 808 may also be provided to observe various conditionsassociated with the baler 10 and bale recompression system 600. In someembodiments, various sensors (e.g., pressure, flow or other sensors) maybe disposed near the pumps 800 and control valves 802, or elsewhere onthe baler 10 and bale recompression system 600. For example, sensor808.1 may include one or more flow sensors, such as volumetric flowsensors, that observe a volumetric flow rate associated with thehydraulic circuit and generate sensor signals based thereon, such as avolumetric flow rate associated with the pusher hydraulic actuator 241.Based on the volumetric flow rate associated with the pusher hydraulicactuator 241, an amount of time the control valve 802 associated withthe pusher hydraulic actuator 241 is in the first, open position (whichmay be observed by the sensors 808.1 or another module associated withthe controller 804), and a known bore diameter of a cylinder of thepusher hydraulic actuator 241 (which may be stored in a memoryassociated with the controller 804), the controller 804 determines howfar the cylinder extends outward (an extended length of the cylinder).Based on how far the cylinder extends (the extended length of thecylinder) and a known geometry of pusher hydraulic actuator 241 relativeto the pusher 202 (which may be stored in a memory associated with thecontroller 804), the controller 804 determines a position of the pusher202 relative to the bottom platen 612. This enables the controller 804to determine whether the bale has been moved into one of the baleaccumulator wings 506.

In various embodiments, a position sensor 808.2 is coupled to themovable platen 614 and observes a position of the movable platen 614. Inone example, the position sensor 808.2 is a linear position sensor,which observes a position of the movable platen 614 and generates sensorsignals based thereon. Based on the linear position of the movableplaten 614 observed by the position sensor 808.2, the controllerdetermines a current position of the movable platen 614. It should benoted that other techniques may be used to determine a position of themovable platen 614. For example, one or more sensors (e.g., pressure,flow or other sensors) may be coupled to one or more of the actuators700 to observe a volumetric flow rate associated with the actuators 700.In this example, based on the volumetric flow rate associated with theactuators 700, an amount of time the control valve(s) 802 associatedwith the actuators 700 is in the first, open position (which may beobserved by the sensors 808.2 or another module associated with thecontroller 804), and a known bore diameter of each cylinder of theactuators 700 (which may be stored in a memory associated with thecontroller 804), the controller 804 determines how far each of thecylinders extends outward (a length of each of the cylinders). Based onhow far each of the cylinders extends (the length of each of thecylinders) and a known geometry of the linkage 692, 694 (which may bestored in a memory associated with the controller 804), the controller804 determines a position of the movable platen 614 relative to thebottom platen 612.

Various sensors 808.3 may also be disposed on or near the baler 10 inorder to measure parameters, such as a diameter of a bale within thebale forming chamber 22, and so on. In some embodiments, the sensors808.3 may include a bale diameter sensor, which observes a diameter ofthe bale within the bale forming chamber 22 and generates sensor signalsbased thereon. In various embodiments, the bale diameter sensor maycomprise one or more pressure sensors, potentiometers, rotary encoders,etc.

The various components noted above (or others) may be utilized by thecontroller 804 to determine whether to move the movable platen 614 whenthe bale recompression system 600 is being used as a bale accumulatorand not for the recompression of a round bale into a square bale.Accordingly, these components may be viewed as forming part of the baleaccumulator control system 606 for the bale recompression system 600.Each of the control valves 802, the operator interface 806 and thesensors 808 are in communication with the controller 804 via a suitablecommunication architecture, such as a CAN bus associated with the baler10.

Referring now also to FIG. 29, a dataflow diagram illustrates variousembodiments of an accumulation system 900 of the bale accumulatorcontrol system 606 for the bale recompression system 600, which may beembedded within a control module 902 associated with the controller 804.Various embodiments of the accumulation system 900 according to thepresent disclosure can include any number of sub-modules embedded withinthe control module 902. As can be appreciated, the sub-modules shown inFIG. 29 can be combined and/or further partitioned to similarly outputone or more control signals to the control valves 802, the pusherhydraulic actuator 241, the ECU of the baler 10 and the actuator 510.Inputs to the accumulation system 900 are received from the sensors 808(FIG. 28), received from the operator interface 806 (FIG. 28), receivedfrom other control modules (not shown) associated with the baler 10and/or recompression system 600, and/or determined/modeled by othersub-modules (not shown) within the controller 804. In variousembodiments, the control module 902 includes an operator interfacecontrol module 904, a bale diameter datastore 906, a bale monitor module908, a platen position datastore 910, a platen control module 912 and abaler interface module 914.

The operator interface control module 904 receives input data 916 froman operator's manipulation of the operator interface 806. In oneexample, the operator interface control module 904 receives balediameter input data 918, bale input data 920 and recompression inputdata 922. The bale diameter input data 918 comprises input received fromthe operator interface 806 that indicates an operator's selecteddiameter for a round bale to be formed in the bale forming chamber 22 ofthe baler 10. The operator interface control module 904 interprets thebale diameter input data 918 and sets selected bale diameter 924 for thebale monitor module 908. The selected bale diameter data 924 is theoperator's desired diameter for the round bale.

The bale input data 920 comprises input received from the operatorinterface 806 that indicates an operator's desire to form a bale of cropwith the baler 10. The recompression input data 922 comprises inputreceived from the operator interface 806 that indicates an operator'sdesire to recompress the round bale formed by the baler 10 into a squarebale. The operator interface control module 904 interprets the baleinput data 920 and the recompression input data 922. If the bale inputdata 920 indicates that the operator desires to bale crop, and therecompression input data 922 indicates that the operator does not wishto recompress the round bale into a square bale, the operator interfacecontrol module 904 sets bale request 926 for the platen control module912. The bale request 926 is a notification that the operator isoperating the baler 10 for baling crop and desires to accumulate thecrop on the bale recompression system 600 instead of recompressing theround bale. Stated another way, the bale request 926 is a notificationthat the bale recompression system 600 is not being used to recompressround bales formed by the baler 10, but rather, the bale recompressionsystem 600 is being used to accumulate the round bales prior todepositing the formed round bales on the ground.

If however, the recompression input data 922 indicates that the operatorselects to recompress the round bales formed by the baler 10 into squarebales, the operator interface control module 904 sets recompress request927 for the platen control module 912.

The bale diameter datastore 906 stores data that indicates a currentbale diameter 928. In one example, the bale diameter datastore 906 ispopulated by the bale monitor module 908 during the formation of a roundbale by the baler 10. The current bale diameter 928 retrieved from thebale diameter datastore 906 provides a diameter of the bale formed bythe baler 10.

The bale monitor module 908 receives as input bale diameter sensor data930. The bale diameter sensor data 930 comprises sensor signals orsensor data received from the sensor 808.3. The bale monitor module 908processes the sensor signals from the sensor 808.3 and determines adiameter of the bale in the bale forming chamber 22.

The bale monitor module 908 also receives as input the selected balediameter 924. The bale monitor module 908 compares the diameter of thebale (observed by the sensor 808.3) to the selected bale diameter 924.If the diameter of the bale is greater than the selected bale diameter924, the bale monitor module 908 stores the diameter of the bale as thecurrent bale diameter 928 in the bale diameter datastore 906. If thediameter of the bale is greater than the selected bale diameter 924, thebale monitor module 908 also sets a wrap and discharge notification 932for the baler interface module 914. The wrap and discharge notification932 indicates that the bale in the bale forming chamber 22 has reachedthe desired diameter, and is to be wrapped and discharged.

The platen position datastore 910 stores a table of correlation data,which correlates a position of the movable platen 614 to the currentdiameter of the bale formed in the bale forming chamber 22. Thus, theplaten position datastore 910 stores one or more lookup tables, whichprovide a platen position 934 that corresponds with the current balediameter 928. The platen positions 934 stored in the platen positiondatastore 910 are each predefined, and in one example, a platen position934 is predefined for each available bale diameter selection. Statedanother way, each of the bale diameters from which the operator mayselect through the operator interface 806 has a corresponding associatedpredefined platen position 934.

The platen control module 912 receives as input the bale request 926.Based on the bale request 926, the platen control module 912 queries thebale diameter datastore 906 and retrieves the current bale diameter 928.Based on the current bale diameter 928, the platen control module 912queries the platen position datastore 910 and retrieves the platenposition 934 associated with the current bale diameter 928. The platencontrol module 912 sets the platen position 934 as a desired positionfor the movable platen 614. The platen control module 912 also receivesas input platen position sensor data 936. The platen position sensordata 936 comprises sensor signals or sensor data received from thesensor 808.2. The platen control module 912 processes the sensor signalsfrom the sensor 808.2 and determines a current position of the movableplaten 614. In the example in which the sensors 808.2 observe avolumetric flow rate, the platen control module 912 may determine theposition of the movable platen 614 based on calculating the volume ofhydraulic fluid that flows into the cylinders of each of the actuators700 by solving equation (1) for each actuator 700:Vol (gal)=Hyd flow rate (gal/sec)*valve open time (sec)  (1)

Wherein the Hyd flow rate (gal/sec) is the measured flow rate observedby the sensors 808.2 and the valve open time (sec) is the amount of timethe control valve 802 associated with the actuators 700 is in the first,open position. Once the platen control module 912 determines Vol, theplaten control module 912 solves the following equation for L:Vol=(π/4)*D ² *L  (2)

Wherein D is the bore diameter of the cylinder of the respectiveactuator 700, L is how far the cylinder extends (the extended length ofthe cylinder) and Vol is from equation (1). Once the platen controlmodule 912 has solved for L, the platen control module 912 retrieves theknown or pre-defined geometry of the linkage 692, 694 (from a memoryassociated with the controller 804), and determines the position of themovable platen 614 based on how far the actuators 700 are extended.

In various embodiments, the platen control module 912 compares thedesired position to the current position, and if the current position isnot equal to the desired position, the platen control module 912 outputsopen valve control signals 938. In other embodiments, the platen controlmodule 912 assumes that the movable platen 614 is in the first position,and outputs the open valve control signals 938 upon retrieval of aplaten position 934 that is not equal to the first position. The openvalve control signals 938 comprise one or more control signals for thecontrol valves 802 to open to the first, open position to drive theactuators 700.1, 700.2 to move the movable platen 614.

Based on the outputting of the open valve control signals 938, theplaten control module 912 receives as input or resamples the platenposition sensor data 936. Based on the platen position sensor data 936,the platen control module 912 determines a current position of themovable platen 614. If the current position of the movable platen 614 isnot equal to the desired position (set based on the platen position934), the platen control module 912 continues to monitor or determinethe current position of the movable platen 614 until the currentposition of the movable platen 614 is substantially equal to the desiredposition (set based on the platen position 934).

Once the current position of the movable platen 614 is substantiallyequal to the desired position, the platen control module 912 outputsclose valve control signals 940. The close valve control signals 940comprise one or more control signals for the control valves 802 to moveto the third, close position to close to maintain the position of themovable platen 614. Once the current position of the movable platen 614is substantially equal to the desired position, the platen controlmodule 912 also sets a bale notification 942 for the baler interfacemodule 914. The bale notification 942 indicates that the movable platen614 is in a position to receive a round bale from the baler 10 such thatthe received round bale is substantially centered with the pusher 202.

The platen control module 912 also receives as input reset 943. Thereset 943 is a command to move the movable platen 316 to the firstposition. Based on the receipt of the reset 943, the platen controlmodule 912 outputs the one or more open valve control signals 938 tomove the movable platen 614 to the first position. In this example, theopen valve control signals 938 comprise the one or more control signalsfor the control valves 802 to move to the second, open position torelease the hydraulic pressure within the actuators 700. In variousembodiments, the platen control module 912 may receive as input theplaten position sensor data 936, may process the platen position sensordata 936 to determine whether the movable platen 614 has returned to thefirst position, and may output the close valve control signals 940 oncethe current position of the movable platen 614 is equal to a known firstposition of the movable platen 614 (which may be stored in a memoryassociated with the controller 804). In the example where the sensors808.2 observe a volumetric flow rate, the controller 804 may utilizeequations (1) and (2), but may subtract an area of the rod of thecylinder associated with the actuators 700 to determine if the movableplaten 614 has returned to the first position.

The platen control module 912 also receives as input the recompressrequest 927. Based on the recompress request 927, the platen controlmodule 912 receives as input the platen position sensor data 936 anddetermines whether the movable platen 614 is in the first position (bycomparing the determined current position of the movable platen 614 to aknown or predefined position value for the first position of the movableplaten 614). If the movable platen 614 is not at the first position, theplaten control module 912 outputs the one or more open valve controlsignals 938 to move the movable platen 614 to the first position. Inthis example, the open valve control signals 938 comprise the one ormore control signals for the control valves 802 to move to the second,open position to release the hydraulic pressure within the actuators700. In various embodiments, the platen control module 912 may receiveas input the platen position sensor data 936, may process the platenposition sensor data 936 to determine whether the movable platen 614 hasreturned to the first position, and may output the close valve controlsignals 940 once the current position of the movable platen 614 is equalto a known first position of the movable platen 614.

For example, with reference to FIG. 30A, the bale recompression system600 is shown coupled to the baler 10. In this example, the operator hasselected to bale crop in the bale forming chamber 22, but not torecompress the round bales formed in the bale forming chamber 22. Asshown, with the movable platen 614 in the first position, the round baleB received from the baler 10 (via the transfer table 502) is not alignedwith a centerline CL of the pusher 202. Rather, a central radial axis CBof the round bale B is offset from the centerline CL of the pusher 202.In certain instances, when the round bale B is not aligned with thecenterline CL of the pusher 202, the pusher 202 may be unable to movethe round bale B into the respective one of the bale accumulator wings506, and may be unable to move the round bale B off the bottom platen612.

With reference to FIG. 30B, in this example, the platen control module912 of the control module 902 has output the one or more control signalsto the control valves 802 to move the movable platen 614 a distance 1X.The distance 1X is the platen position 934 retrieved from the platenposition datastore 910, which corresponds to the diameter of the roundbale B. As shown in FIG. 30B, the central radial axis CB of the roundbale B is aligned with the centerline CL of the pusher 202, whichenables the pusher 202 to move the round bale B into the respective oneof the bale accumulator wings 506.

For example, with reference to FIG. 30C, the bale recompression system600 is shown coupled to the baler 10. In this example, the operator hasselected to bale crop in the bale forming chamber 22, but not torecompress the round bales formed in the bale forming chamber 22. Asshown, with the movable platen 614 in the first position, the round baleB received from the baler 10 (via the transfer table 502) is not alignedwith a centerline CL of the pusher 202. Rather, a central radial axis CBof the round bale B is offset from the centerline CL of the pusher 202.In certain instances, when the round bale B is not aligned with thecenterline CL of the pusher 202, the pusher 202 may be unable to movethe round bale B into the respective one of the bale accumulator wings506, and may be unable to move the round bale B off the bottom platen612.

With reference to FIG. 30D, in this example, the platen control module912 of the control module 902 has output the one or more control signalsto the control valves 802 to move the movable platen 614 a distance 2X.The distance 2X is the platen position 934 retrieved from the platenposition datastore 910, which corresponds to the diameter of the roundbale B. As shown in FIG. 30D, the central radial axis CB of the roundbale B is aligned with the centerline CL of the pusher 202, whichenables the pusher 202 to move the round bale B into the respective oneof the bale accumulator wings 506.

The baler interface module 914 receives as input the wrap and dischargenotification 932. Based on the wrap and discharge notification 932, thebaler interface module 914 determines whether the bale notification 942has been received that indicates that the movable platen 614 is in thedesired position. If true, the baler interface module 914 outputs a wrapand discharge command 946. The wrap and discharge command 946 is acommand that is output to the ECU of the baler 10 to command the baler10 to activate the wrap feed and cut-off system of the baler 10 to applythe wrap material 198 about the round bale in the bale forming chamber22. The baler interface module 914 also outputs tilt actuator command948. The tilt actuator command 948 is a command that is output to theECU of the baler 10 to command the baler 10 to actuate the actuator 510of the transfer table 502 to move the round bale into the first platensystem 602.

The baler interface module 914 also outputs pusher actuator command 950.The pusher actuator command 950 is a command that is output to the ECUof the baler 10 to command the baler 10 to actuate the pusher hydraulicactuator 241 to move the round bale from the bottom platen 612 to one ofthe bale accumulator wings 506. The baler interface module 914 alsoreceives as input pusher position sensor data 952. The pusher positionsensor data 952 comprises sensor signals or sensor data received fromthe sensor 808.1. The baler interface module 914 processes the sensorsignals from the sensor 808.1 and determines a position of the pusher202. In one example, based on the volumetric flow rate of the hydraulicfluid into the pusher hydraulic actuator 241 (as observed by the sensor808.1), an amount of time the control valve 802 associated with thepusher hydraulic actuator 241 is in the first, open position (which mayalso be observed by the sensors 808.1 or determined by a moduleassociated with the controller 804), and a known bore diameter of acylinder of the pusher hydraulic actuator 241, the baler interfacemodule 914 determines how far the cylinder extends outward (an extendedlength of the cylinder). Based on how far the cylinder extends (theextended length of the cylinder) and a known or pre-defined geometry ofthe pusher hydraulic actuator 241 relative to the pusher 202 (which maybe stored in a memory associated with the baler interface module 914),the baler interface module 914 determines a position of the pusher 202relative to the bottom platen 612.

In one example, the baler interface module 914 calculates the volume ofhydraulic fluid that flows into the cylinder of the pusher hydraulicactuator 241 by solving the equation:Vol (gal)=Hyd flow rate (gal/sec)*valve open time (sec)  (1)

Wherein the hyd flow rate (gal/sec) is the measured flow rate observedby the sensors 808.1 and the valve open time (sec) is the amount of timethe control valve 802 associated with the pusher hydraulic actuator 241is in the first, open position. Once the baler interface module 914determines Vol, the baler interface module 914 solves the followingequation for L:Vol=(π/4)*D ² *L  (2)

Wherein D is the bore diameter of the cylinder of the pusher hydraulicactuator 241, L is how far the cylinder of the pusher hydraulic actuator241 extends (the extended length of the cylinder) and Vol is fromequation (1). Once the baler interface module 914 has solved for L, thebaler interface module 914 retrieves the known or pre-defined geometryof a linkage or other arrangement that connects the pusher hydraulicactuator 241 and the pusher 202 (from a memory associated with thecontroller 804), and determines the position of the pusher 202 based onhow far the pusher hydraulic actuator 241 is extended.

Based on the position of the pusher 202, the baler interface module 914determines whether the round bale has been moved onto one of the baleaccumulator wings 506. If true, the baler interface module 914 sets thereset 943 for the platen control module 912.

The baler interface module 914 also receives as input the bale request926. Based on the bale request 926, the baler interface module 914outputs a bale command 954. The bale command 954 is a command that isoutput to the ECU of the baler 10 to start a baling operation.

Referring now also to FIG. 31, a flowchart illustrates a method 1000that may be performed by the control module 902 of the controller 804 ofFIGS. 28-29 in accordance with the present disclosure. As can beappreciated in light of the disclosure, the order of operation withinthe method is not limited to the sequential execution as illustrated inFIG. 31, but may be performed in one or more varying orders asapplicable and in accordance with the present disclosure. In variousembodiments, the method 1000 may be scheduled to run based onpredetermined events, and/or can run continuously during operation ofthe baler 10.

In one example, the method begins at 1002. At 1004, the methoddetermines whether recompression input data 922 has been received, viathe operator's manipulation of the operator interface 806. If true, themethod proceeds to 1006, and determines whether the movable platen 614is in the first position (by processing the platen position sensor data936). If true, the method ends at 1008. Otherwise, at 1010, the methodoutputs the one or more open valve control signals 938 to move themovable platen 614 to the first position. The method ends at 1008.

At 1004, if the method determines that input has not been received torecompress the bale, at 1012, the method determines whether input hasbeen received, via the operator's manipulation of the operator interface806, to perform a baling operation (i.e. the bale input data 920). Iftrue, the method proceeds to 1012. Otherwise, the method ends at 1008.

At 1014, the method determines whether input has been received, via theoperator's manipulation of the operator interface 806, to select adiameter for the round bale formed during the baling operation (i.e. thebale diameter input data 918). If true, The method proceeds to 1016.Otherwise, the method loops until input is received.

At 1016, the method outputs the bale command 954 to the baler 10 tostart a baling operation. At 1018, the method receives and processes thebale diameter sensor data 930 and determines a current diameter of theround bale in the bale forming chamber 22. At 1020, the methoddetermines whether the current diameter of the round bale in the baleforming chamber 22 is greater than the selected bale diameter receivedfrom the operator interface 806 (i.e. whether the current bale diameter928 is greater than the selected bale diameter 924). If true, the methodproceeds to 1022. If false, the method loops to 1018.

At 1022, the method stores the diameter of the round bale as the currentbale diameter 928. At 1024, based on the current bale diameter 928, themethod queries the platen position datastore 910 and retrieves theplaten position 934 associated with the current bale diameter 928. Themethod also sets the retrieved platen position 934 as the desiredposition for the movable platen 614.

At 1026, the method outputs the one or more open valve control signals938 to the control valves 802 to open the control valves 802 to actuatethe actuators 700.1, 700.2 associated with the movable platen 614 tomove the movable platen 614 from the first position toward the secondposition. At 1028, the method receives and processes the platen positionsensor data 936 and determines a current position of the movable platen614. At 1030, the method determines whether the current position of themovable platen 614 is substantially equal to the desired position forthe movable platen 614 retrieved from the platen position datastore 910.If true, the method proceeds to 1032. Otherwise, the method loops to1028.

At 1032, the method outputs the one or more close valve control signals940 to the control valves 802 to close the control valves 802 tomaintain the position of the movable platen 614. The method proceeds toA on FIG. 32.

From A on FIG. 32, the method at 1034 outputs the wrap and dischargecommand 946 to the ECU of the baler 10 to wrap the bale in the baleforming chamber 22 and to discharge the bale through the discharge gate26. At 1036, the method outputs the tilt actuator command 948 to the ECUof the baler 10 to actuate the actuator 510 to pivot the transfer table502. At 1038, the method outputs the pusher actuator command 950 to theECU of the baler 10 to actuate the pusher hydraulic actuator 241 to pushthe round bale off the bottom platen 612. At 1040, the method receivesand processes the pusher position sensor data 952 and determines acurrent position of the pusher 202. At 1042, the method determineswhether the current position of the pusher 202 indicates that the roundbale is off of the bottom platen 612. If true, the method proceeds to1044. Otherwise, the method loops to 1040.

At 1044, method outputs the one or more open valve control signals 938to the control valves 802 to open the control valves 802 to actuate theactuators 700.1, 700.2 associated with the movable platen 614 to movethe movable platen 614 to the first position. Optionally, at 1046, themethod outputs a discharge close command to the ECU of the baler 10 toclose the discharge gate 26. The method ends at 1048. It should benoted, however, that block 1044 may be optional, as alternatively, themovable platen 614 may remain in the desired position until another balediameter input data 918 is received. Thus, in certain embodiments, themethod may perform block 1046 and loop to block 1014 to await anotherselected bale diameter. As a further alternative, the method may loop to1014 once block 1042 is true. As a further alternative, the method maynot end at 1048, but may loop to 1004 so long as the baler 10 isoperating.

It should be noted that while the bale recompression system 600 isdescribed herein as including the first platen system 602 having theupper platen 610, the bottom platen 612 and the movable platen 614, itshould be understood that the bale recompression system 600 may beconfigured in a variety of ways. For example, with reference to FIG.33A, a bale recompression system 1100 is shown. As the balerecompression system 1100 is similar to the bale recompression system600 discussed with regard to FIGS. 17-32 and the bale recompressionsystem 100′ discussed with regard to FIG. 13, the same referencenumerals will be used to denote the same or substantially similarcomponents. The bale recompression system 1100 includes a transfer table1102, a first platen system 1104 and the bale accumulator 604.

The bale recompression system 1100 is coupled to the baler 10 formovement with the baler 10 as the baler 10 is towed by the tractor 12.As will be discussed, the bale recompression system 1100 receives theround bale B that is discharged by the discharge gate 26, andrecompresses the round bale B into a square bale. In this example, thefirst platen system 1104 is towed substantially directly behind thetractor 12. The transfer table 1102 guides the round bale B from thedischarge gate 26 of the baler 10 into the first platen system 1104 andcooperates with the first platen system 1102 to recompress the roundbale B into a square bale.

The transfer table 1102 interconnects the baler 10 and the first platensystem 1104. In various embodiments, the transfer table 1102 is coupledto the baler 10 so as to be in a position for the round bale B to bedropped on a surface 1102.1 of the transfer table 1102 when thedischarge gate 26 opens. The transfer table 1102, which is pivotablerelative to a support structure 1112, receives the round bale B. Whenthe discharge gate 26 opens, the transfer table 1102 tilts and/or liftsthe round bale B in a generally aft direction (indicated by arrow 1108)to move the round bale B onto the first platen system 1104. Thus, thetransfer table 1102 is movable between a first position (in which thetransfer table 1102 is substantially parallel to a ground surface G) anda second position (in which the transfer table 1102 is pivoted in theaft direction).

The transfer table 1102 includes the surface 1102.1, which is opposite asecond surface 1102.2. The transfer table 1102 also includes a first end1102.3 opposite a second end 1102.4. The transfer table 1102 is composedof a metal or metal alloy, and formed via casting, forging, stamping,etc. In this example, the transfer table 1102 is generally arcuate orcurved between the first end 1102.3 and the second end 1102.4. In thisexample, the surface 1102.1 of the transfer table 1102 is substantiallyconcave; however, the surface 1102.1 may have any desired curvature.Moreover, while surface 1102.1 is shown to have a uniform radius ofcurvature TR, it should be noted that the surface 1102.1 may include aregion of localized curvature, if desired. In one example, the radius ofcurvature R1 of the surface 1102.1 is substantially the same as a radiusof curvature R2 (FIG. 33B) that a leading edge 1110.1 of an upper platen1110 of the first platen system 1104 follows as the upper platen 1110moves from a first position (FIG. 33A) to a second position (FIG. 33C).The first end 1102.3 is adjacent to the baler 10 for receiving the roundbale B, and the second end 1102.4 is pivotally coupled to the firstplaten system 1104.

Generally, the transfer table 1102 is supported on the support structure1112 and is movable between the first position and the second positionby an actuator 1114. The actuator 1114 has a first end 1114.1 coupled tothe second surface 1102.2 of the transfer table 1102, and a second end1114.2 coupled to the support structure 1112. In one example, theactuator 1114 is a hydraulic actuator, which is fluidly coupled to thehydraulic system of the baler 10. For example, the actuator 1114 mayinclude one or more hydraulic lines that connect the actuator 1114 withthe hydraulic supply associated with the tractor 12. One or moreelectro-hydraulic control valves of the hydraulic system of the baler 10may be in fluid communication with the actuator 1114 and electricallyactivated according to signals from the ECU to control the flow ofhydraulic fluid between the hydraulic supply associated with the tractor12 and the actuator 1114. The actuator 1114 is responsive to thehydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic system to move the transfertable 1102 between the first position (FIG. 33A) and the second position(FIG. 33C) and vice versa.

The first platen system 1102 includes the first, upper platen 1110, asecond, bottom platen 1116, a third platen 1118, a frame 1120, thebanding unit 114 and an actuation system 1122. The actuation system 1122is operable to move the upper platen 1110 to recompress the round bale Binto a square bale SQ. The first platen system 1102 is supported on theframe 1120, which may include one or more ground wheels 618, theplurality of interconnecting frame members 620, the first frame member310, a second frame member 1124 and the one or more interconnectingmembers 314. The second frame member 1124 is composed of a metal ormetal alloy, and may be stamped, forged, cast, etc. The first framemember 310 has the first end 310.1 coupled to the interconnecting framemembers 620 and the second end 310.2 coupled to the second frame member1124. The second frame member 1124 has a first end 1124.1 coupled to theinterconnecting frame members 620 and the second end 1124.2 coupled tothe first frame member 310. The first end 1124.1 of the second framemember 1124 is spaced apart from the first end 1124.1 of the first framemember 310. Generally, the second frame member 1124 extends along anaxis that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of thesupport beam 308. The second frame member 1124 includes the firstbracket 324 and the second bracket 330 for coupling the actuation system1122 to the frame 1120. The second frame member 1124 also includes abore 1126. The bore 1126 is defined through the second frame member 1124between one of the interconnecting members 314 and the second bracket330. The bore 1126 receives a pivot pin 1128 to pivotally couple theupper platen 1110 to the frame 1120. The interconnecting members 314couple or connect the first frame member 310 to the second frame member1124.

Generally, the upper platen 1110 is rotatably coupled to the frame 1120,and is rotatable by the actuation system 1122 between a first positionin which the upper platen 1110 is spaced apart from the bottom platen1116 to define an opening 1129 for receiving the round bale B from thetransfer table 1102; and a second position, in which the upper platen1110 cooperates with the bottom platen 1116 and the transfer table 1102to recompress the round bale B into a square bale. The bottom platen1116 and the third platen 1118 remain stationary during therecompression of the round bales B.

In one example, the upper platen 1110 includes a first plate member1132, the second plate member 628 and the leading edge 1110.1. The firstplate member 1132 may be composed of a metal or metal alloy, and formedvia casting, forging, stamping, etc. The first plate member 1132 and thesecond plate member 628 may be integrally formed, or may be discretelyformed and coupled together via a suitable technique, such as welding,mechanical fasteners, etc. The first plate member 1132 may include oneor more cross-beams 630 and vertical reinforcement beams 632 to providestructural rigidity to the respective first plate member 626. In oneexample, the leading edge 1110.1 is chamfered. By chamfering the leadingedge 1110.1, the leading edge 1110.1 of the upper platen 1110 contactsthe surface 1102.1 of the transfer table 1102 during the movement of theupper platen 1110 from the first position (FIG. 33A) to the secondposition (FIG. 33C). In this example, as the leading edge 1110.1 of theupper platen 1110 contacts the surface 1102.1 of the transfer table1102, the leading edge 1110.1 inhibits crop from hairpinning around theleading edge 1110.1 of the upper platen 1110 as the crop is compressed.

The first plate member 1132 is rotatably coupled to the second framemember 1124. The first plate member 1132 is substantially planar andincludes a first plate end 1134 opposite the second plate end 636. Thefirst plate end 1134 includes a pair of hinge brackets 1136. One of thehinge brackets 1136 is coupled to a first side 1132.1 of the first platemember 1132, and one of the hinge brackets 1136 is coupled to a secondside 1132.2 (not shown) of the first plate member 1132. The pair ofhinge brackets 1136 extend from the first plate member 1132 to pivotallycouple the first plate member 1132 to the second frame member 1124. Inone example, the pair of hinge brackets 1136 each include a bore 1138,which is defined along a pivot axis P8. The pivot pin 1128 is receivedthrough the bores 1126 of the pair of hinge brackets 1136 and the bore1126 of the second frame member 1124. The pivot pin 1128 enables theupper platen 1110 to rotate relative to the second frame member 1124,and thus, the third platen 1118 and the bottom platen 1116. The firstplate member 1132 also includes the plurality of first banding channels132 (not shown), which are defined through the first plate member 1132from the first plate end 1134 to the second plate end 636. The secondplate end 636 is coupled to the second plate member 628.

The second plate member 628 cooperates with the bottom platen 612 tosecure the bale within the first platen system 602 during recompression.The second plate member 628 includes the leading edge 1110.1 thatcontacts the transfer table 1102 during the recompression of the roundbale. While not illustrated herein, the one or more support plates 160may be coupled to the first plate member 626 and the second plate member628, if desired.

The bottom platen 1116 includes a plate member 1140. The plate member1140 may be composed of a metal or metal alloy, and formed via casting,forging, stamping, etc. The plate member 1140 is substantially planar,and includes a first end 1140.1 opposite a second end 1140.2. The firstend 1140.1 is coupled to the frame 1120 near or adjacent to the firstend 620.1 of the support structure formed by the interconnecting framemembers 620. The second end 1140.2 is coupled to the frame 1120 so as tobe adjacent to the bale accumulator 604. The plate member 1140 alsoincludes the plurality of banding channels 654 (not shown).

The third platen 1118 cooperates with the upper platen 1110 torecompress the round bale B. Generally, the third platen 1118 is fixedor stationary, and is coupled to the second frame member 1124 so as tobe adjacent to the first end 1140.1 of the bottom platen 1116 forrecompressing the round bale B. The third platen 1118 includes a platemember 1142 and the one or more cross-beams 662. The plate member 1142may be composed of a metal or metal alloy, and formed via casting,forging, stamping, etc.

The plate member 1142 is substantially planar, and includes a first end1142.1 opposite a second end 1142.2 and the plurality of bandingchannels 668 (not shown). The first end 1142.1 contacts the first plateend 1134 of the first plate member 1132 when the upper platen 1110 is inthe first position, and the second end 1142.2 is contacts a surface1140.3 of the plate member 1140.

In this example, the actuation system 1122 includes the linkage 304 andthe actuator 306. The linkage 304 is the scissors linkage, having thefirst link 320 and the second link 322. The first end 320.1 is pivotallycoupled to the first bracket 324 of the second frame member 1124 via thefirst pin 326. The second end 320.2 is coupled to the second link 322via the second pin 328. The second end 322.2 is coupled to the firstplate member 1132 of the upper platen 1110. In one example, the firstplate member 1132 of the upper platen 1110 has the second bracket 330,and the second end 322.2 is coupled to the second bracket 330 via thethird pin 332.

The actuator 306 rotates the upper platen 1110 between the firstposition and the second position. The actuator 306 is responsive tohydraulic fluid received from the tractor 12 to rotate the upper platen1110 relative to the bottom platen 1116.

The bale accumulator 604 is coupled to the bottom platen 1116. Theaccumulator 604 includes the pusher 202 and the one or more optionalbale accumulator wings 506. In this example, the pusher 202 isintegrated into the bottom platen 1116 for moving a formed square baleto either one of the optional bale accumulator wings 506, or for movingthe formed square bale off either side of the plate member 1140. In oneexample, the plate member 1140 is coupled to the first rail 750 (notshown), and the second rail 752 (not shown) and the slot 754 (not shown)are coupled to the frame 608. Generally, first rail 750 is opposite thesecond rail 752, and each of the rails 750, 752 extend along the platemember 1140 from a first plate side 1140.3 to a second plate side 1140.4(not shown). The rails 750, 752 guide the pusher 202 as the pusher 202moves between the first plate side 1140.3 and the second plate side1140.4 (not shown). The slot 754 receives a portion of the pusher 202 todrive the pusher 202 between the first plate side 1140.3 to the secondplate side 1140.4 along each of the rails 750, 752.

The pusher 202 is coupled to the pusher hydraulic actuator 241, which isfluidly coupled to the hydraulic system of the baler 10. For example,the pusher hydraulic actuator 241 may include one or more hydrauliclines that connect the pusher hydraulic actuator 241 with the hydraulicsupply associated with the tractor 12. The pusher hydraulic actuator 241is responsive to the hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic systemto move the pusher 202 from the first plate side 1140.3 to the secondplate side 1140.4 (not shown) between each of the rails 750, 752 andvice versa. Generally, the pusher 202 contacts a square balerecompressed by the upper platen 1110, bottom platen 1116 and the thirdplaten 1118, and moves the square bale to the respective one of the baleaccumulator wings 506 or off the plate member 1140 onto a groundsurface.

As the assembly of the first platen system 1102 is similar to theassembly of the first platen system 602, the assembly of the firstplaten system 1102 will not be discussed in detail herein. Moreover, asthe assembly of the actuation system 1122 is similar to the assembly ofthe actuation system 300, the assembly of the actuation system 1122 willnot be discussed in detail herein. Briefly, with the transfer table 1102and actuator 1114 assembled and coupled to the support structure 1112,the support structure 1112, including the transfer table 1102, iscoupled to the frame 608. With the bale recompression system 1100assembled, the respective pivot arms and actuators are coupled to therespective one of the bale accumulator wings 506.1, 506.2 and to thesupport structure 1112. The respective actuators 241, 1114, 306 andactuators associated with the bale accumulator wings 506.1, 506.2 areeach coupled to the hydraulic system of the baler 10 so as to be fluidlycoupled to the hydraulic supply of the tractor 12.

Once the round bale B is formed in the bale forming chamber 22 of thebaler 10, the discharge gate 26 moves to the open discharge position torelease the formed round bale B. The formed round bale B contacts thetransfer table 1102 and the transfer table 1102 is actuated by theactuator 1114 to pivot from the first position (FIG. 33A) to the secondposition (FIG. 33B). As the transfer table 1102 moves to the secondposition, the round bale B is received within the first platen system1104. Generally, with reference to FIG. 33B, the round bale B rolls fromthe transfer table 1102 onto the plate member 1140 and continues to rolluntil the round bale B contacts the plate member 1142.

Once the round bale B is received within the first platen system 1104,the transfer table 1102 cooperates with the leading edge 1110.1 of theupper platen 1110 to retain the round bale B within the first platensystem 1102 during recompression. In this regard, the actuator 1114 ofthe transfer table 1102 may be timed to move from the second position tothe first position at a rate that corresponds with a rate of arotational movement of the upper platen 1110 by the actuator 306 suchthat contact is maintained between the leading edge 1110.1 and thesurface 1102.1. This coordinated movement enables the leading edge1110.1 to slide along the surface 1102.1 of the transfer table 1102,while containing the round bale B during recompression. Generally, asthe radius of curvature R1 of the surface 1102.1 of the transfer table1102 is substantially the same as the radius of curvature R2 of therotation of the upper platen 1110, the leading edge 1110.1 and thetransfer table 1102 cooperate during the recompression of the roundbale. Generally, the leading edge 1110.1 slides along the surface 1102.1of the transfer table 1102, the “sliding action” between these twosurfaces 1110.1 and 1102.1, which are smooth, inhibits crop hair pinningor pinching as the round bale B is reshaped into the square bale B.Thus, the bale recompression system 1100, with the cooperating surfaces1110.1, 1102.1 enables the recompression of the round bale B whileinhibiting the pinching of crop material between cooperating surfaces ofthe bale recompression system 1100. The actuator 1114 and 306 are eachactuated based on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply ofthe tractor 12 through the hydraulic system of the baler 10, forexample.

With reference to FIG. 33C, with the upper platen 1110 in the secondposition, the round bale B is recompressed into a substantially squareshape to form the square bale SQ. The banding unit 114 of the firstplaten system 1104 may be activated to apply wrap material to the squarebale SQ. The wrap material 198 passes through the first banding channels132, the second banding channels 154, the banding channels 654 and thebanding channels 668 to surround the square bale SQ.

With the square bale SQ formed, the pusher hydraulic actuator 241 isactuated based on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply ofthe tractor 12 through the hydraulic system of the baler 10, forexample. The actuation of the pusher hydraulic actuator 241 drives thepusher 202 to move the square bale into one of the bale accumulatorwings 506.1, 506.2.

With the square bale SQ on one of the bale accumulator wings 506.1,506.2, the hydraulic pressure is supplied to the actuators 1114 and 306,which causes the transfer table 1102 to move to the first position, andthe upper platen 1110 to move to the first position. With the upperplaten 1110 and the transfer table 1102 in the first position, the balerecompression system 1100 is ready to accept another round bale B fromthe baler 10 for recompression.

With the first square bale SQ formed, the discharge gate 26 may move tothe open discharge position to release a second round bale. Once thesecond round bale is received on the transfer table 1102, the transfertable 1102 is actuated by the actuator 1114 to pivot to the secondposition. As the transfer table 1102 moves to the second position, theround bale B is received within the first platen system 1104. Once theround bale B is received within the first platen system 1104, thetransfer table 1102 cooperates with the leading edge 1110.1 of the upperplaten 1110 to retain the round bale B within the first platen system1102 during recompression by the coordinated movement between the upperplaten 1110 and the transfer table 1102.

With reference to FIG. 33C, with the upper platen 1110 in the secondposition, the round bale B is recompressed into a substantially squareshape to form a second square bale SQ. The banding unit 114 of the firstplaten system 1104 may be activated to apply wrap material to the secondsquare bale SQ. The wrap material 198 passes through the first bandingchannels 132, the second banding channels 154, the banding channels 654and the banding channels 668 to surround the second square bale SQ.

With the second square bale SQ formed, the pusher hydraulic actuator 241is actuated based on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supplyof the tractor 12 through the hydraulic system of the baler 10, forexample. The actuation of the pusher hydraulic actuator 241 drives thepusher 202 to move the square bale into the other one of the baleaccumulator wings 506.1, 506.2.

With the second square bale SQ on the other one of the bale accumulatorwings 506.1, 506.2, the hydraulic pressure is supplied to the actuators1114 and 306, which causes the transfer table 1102 to move to the firstposition, and the upper platen 1110 to move to the first position. Withthe upper platen 1110 and the transfer table 1102 in the first position,the bale recompression system 1100 is ready to accept another round baleB from the baler 10 for recompression.

Further, with square bales on both of the bale accumulator wings 506.1,506.2 and the upper platen 1110 of the first platen system 1104 in thefirst position, the actuators (not shown) associated with the baleaccumulator wings 506.1, 506.2 may be actuated, based on hydraulic fluidreceived from the hydraulic supply of the tractor 12 through thehydraulic system of the baler 10, for example. The actuation of theseactuators moves the respective pivot arms, and thus, the respective baleaccumulator wings 506.1, 506.2 to deposit the square bales on a virtualtrip line. As the depositing of the bales on a virtual trip line isknown from commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 9,578,811 to Kraus et al.,titled “Variable Rate Discharge System for Crop Accumulator,” which isincorporated herein by reference, the depositing of the square baleswill not be discussed in detail herein.

Alternatively, in certain embodiments, when the bale accumulator wings506.1, 506.2 are not employed, the pusher 202 may be actuated to ejectthe square bale from the plate member 1140 of the first platen system1102.

It should be noted that while the bale recompression system 1100 isdescribed herein as including the transfer table 1102 with the arcuateor curved surface 1102.1, it should be understood that the balerecompression system 1100 may be configured in a variety of ways. Forexample, with reference to FIG. 34A, a bale recompression system 1100′is shown. As the bale recompression system 1100′ is similar to the balerecompression system 1100 discussed with regard to FIGS. 33A-33C, thesame reference numerals will be used to denote the same or substantiallysimilar components. The bale recompression system 1100′ includes atransfer table 1102′, the first platen system 1104 and the baleaccumulator 604.

The bale recompression system 1100′ is coupled to the baler 10 formovement with the baler 10 as the baler 10 is towed by the tractor 12.As will be discussed, the bale recompression system 1100′ receives theround bale B that is discharged by the discharge gate 26, andrecompresses the round bale B into a square bale. In this example, thetransfer table 1102′ guides the round bale B from the discharge gate 26of the baler 10 into the first platen system 1104 and cooperates withthe first platen system 1104 to recompress the round bale B into asquare bale.

The transfer table 1102′ interconnects the baler 10 and the first platensystem 1104. In various embodiments, the transfer table 1102′ is coupledto the baler 10 so as to be in a position for the round bale B to bedropped on a surface 1102.1′ of the transfer table 1102′ when thedischarge gate 26 opens. The transfer table 1102′, which is pivotablerelative to the support structure 1112, receives the round bale B andwhen the discharge gate 26 opens, the transfer table 1102′ tilts and/orlifts the round bale B in a generally aft direction (indicated by arrow1108) to move the round bale B onto the first platen system 1104. Thus,the transfer table 1102′ is movable between a first position (in whichthe transfer table 1102′ is substantially parallel to a ground surfaceG) and a second position (in which the transfer table 1102′ is pivotedin the aft direction).

The transfer table 1102′ includes the surface 1102.1′, which is oppositea second surface 1102.2′. The transfer table 1102′ also includes thefirst end 1102.3 opposite the second end 1102.4. The transfer table1102′ is composed of a metal or metal alloy, and formed via casting,forging, stamping, etc. In this example, the transfer table 1102′ isgenerally flat or planar between the first end 1102.3 and the second end1102.4. The surface 1102.1′ cooperates with the leading edge 1110.1 ofthe upper platen 1110 as the upper platen 1110 moves from a firstposition (FIG. 34A) to a second position (FIG. 34C). As discussedpreviously, the leading edge 1110.1 is chamfered. By chamfering theleading edge 1110.1, the leading edge 1110.1 of the upper platen 1110contacts the surface 1102.1′ of the transfer table 1102′ during themovement of the upper platen 1110 from the first position (FIG. 34A) tothe second position (FIG. 34C). In this example, as the leading edge1110.1 of the upper platen 1110 contacts the surface 1102.1′ of thetransfer table 1102′, the leading edge 1110.1 inhibits crop fromhairpinning around the leading edge 1110.1 of the upper platen 1110 asthe crop is compressed.

The transfer table 1102′ is supported on the support structure 1112 andis movable between the first position and the second position by theactuator 1114. The actuator 1114 is responsive to the hydraulic fluidreceived from the hydraulic system to move the transfer table 1102between the first position (FIG. 34A) and the second position (FIG. 34C)and vice versa.

As the assembly of the bale recompression system 1100′ is similar to theassembly of the recompression system 1100, the assembly of the balerecompression system 1100′ will not be discussed in detail herein.Briefly, with the transfer table 1102′ and actuator 1114 assembled andcoupled to the support structure 1112, the support structure 1112,including the transfer table 1102′, is coupled to the frame 608. Withthe bale recompression system 1100′ assembled, the respective pivot armsand actuators are coupled to the respective one of the bale accumulatorwings 506.1, 506.2 and to the support structure 1112. The respectiveactuators 241, 1114, 306 and actuators associated with the baleaccumulator wings 506.1, 506.2 are each coupled to the hydraulic systemof the baler 10 so as to be fluidly coupled to the hydraulic supply ofthe tractor 12.

Once the round bale B is formed in the bale forming chamber 22 of thebaler 10, the discharge gate 26 moves to the open discharge position torelease the formed round bale B. The formed round bale B contacts thetransfer table 1102′ and the transfer table 1102 is actuated by theactuator 1114 to pivot from the first position (FIG. 34A) to the secondposition (FIG. 34B). As the transfer table 1102′ moves to the secondposition, the round bale B is received within the first platen system1104. Generally, with reference to FIG. 34B, the round bale B rolls fromthe transfer table 1102′ onto the plate member 1140 and continues toroll until the round bale B contacts the plate member 1142.

Once the round bale B is received within the first platen system 1104,the transfer table 1102′ cooperates with the leading edge 1110.1 of theupper platen 1110 to retain the round bale B within the first platensystem 1104 during recompression. In this regard, the actuator 1114 ofthe transfer table 1102′ may be timed to move from the second positionto the first position at a rate that corresponds with a rate of arotational movement of the upper platen 1110 by the actuator 306 suchthat contact is maintained between the leading edge 1110.1 and thesurface 1102.1′. This coordinated movement enables the leading edge1110.1 to slide along the surface 1102.1′ of the transfer table 1102′,while containing the round bale B during recompression. Generally, theleading edge 1110.1 slides along the surface 1102.1′ of the transfertable 1102′, the “sliding action” between these two surfaces 1110.1 and1102.1′, which are smooth, inhibits crop hair pinning or pinching as theround bale B is reshaped into the square bale B. Thus, the balerecompression system 1100′, with the cooperating surfaces 1110.1,1102.1′ enables the recompression of the round bale B while inhibitingthe pinching of crop material between cooperating surfaces of the balerecompression system 1100′. The actuator 1114 and 306 are each actuatedbased on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply of thetractor 12 through the hydraulic system of the baler 10, for example.

With reference to FIG. 34C, with the upper platen 1110 in the secondposition, the round bale B is recompressed into a substantially squareshape to form the square bale SQ. The banding unit 114 of the firstplaten system 1104 may be activated to apply wrap material to the squarebale SQ. The wrap material 198 passes through the first banding channels132, the second banding channels 154, the banding channels 654 and thebanding channels 668 to surround the square bale SQ.

With the square bale SQ formed, the pusher hydraulic actuator 241 isactuated based on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply ofthe tractor 12 through the hydraulic system of the baler 10, forexample. The actuation of the pusher hydraulic actuator 241 drives thepusher 202 to move the square bale into one of the bale accumulatorwings 506.1, 506.2.

With the square bale SQ on one of the bale accumulator wings 506.1,506.2, the hydraulic pressure is supplied to the actuators 1114 and 306,which causes the transfer table 1102′ to move to the first position, andthe upper platen 1110 to move to the first position. With the upperplaten 1110 and the transfer table 1102′ in the first position, the balerecompression system 1100 is ready to accept another round bale B fromthe baler 10 for recompression.

With the first square bale SQ formed, the discharge gate 26 may move tothe open discharge position to release a second round bale. Once thesecond round bale is received on the transfer table 1102′, the transfertable 1102′ is actuated by the actuator 1114 to pivot to the secondposition. As the transfer table 1102′ moves to the second position, theround bale B is received within the first platen system 1104. Once theround bale B is received within the first platen system 1104, thetransfer table 1102′ cooperates with the leading edge 1110.1 of theupper platen 1110 to retain the round bale B within the first platensystem 1104 during recompression by the coordinated movement between theupper platen 1110 and the transfer table 1102′.

With reference to FIG. 33C, with the upper platen 1110 in the secondposition, the round bale B is recompressed into a substantially squareshape to form a second square bale SQ. The banding unit 114 of the firstplaten system 1104 may be activated to apply wrap material to the secondsquare bale SQ. The wrap material 198 passes through the first bandingchannels 132, the second banding channels 154, the banding channels 654and the banding channels 668 to surround the second square bale SQ.

With the second square bale SQ formed, the pusher hydraulic actuator 241is actuated based on hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supplyof the tractor 12 through the hydraulic system of the baler 10, forexample. The actuation of the pusher hydraulic actuator 241 drives thepusher 202 to move the square bale into the other one of the baleaccumulator wings 506.1, 506.2.

With the second square bale SQ on the other one of the bale accumulatorwings 506.1, 506.2, the hydraulic pressure is supplied to the actuators1114 and 306, which causes the transfer table 1102′ to move to the firstposition, and the upper platen 1110 to move to the first position. Withthe upper platen 1110 and the transfer table 1102′ in the firstposition, the bale recompression system 1100 is ready to accept anotherround bale B from the baler 10 for recompression.

Further, with square bales on both of the bale accumulator wings 506.1,506.2 and the upper platen 1110 of the first platen system 1104 in thefirst position, the actuators (not shown) associated with the baleaccumulator wings 506.1, 506.2 may be actuated, based on hydraulic fluidreceived from the hydraulic supply of the tractor 12 through thehydraulic system of the baler 10, for example. The actuation of theseactuators moves the respective pivot arms, and thus, the respective baleaccumulator wings 506.1, 506.2 to deposit the square bales on a virtualtrip line. As the depositing of the bales on a virtual trip line isknown from commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 9,578,811 to Kraus et al.,titled “Variable Rate Discharge System for Crop Accumulator,” which isincorporated herein by reference, the depositing of the square baleswill not be discussed in detail herein.

Alternatively, in certain embodiments, when the bale accumulator wings506.1, 506.2 are not employed, the pusher 202 may be actuated to ejectthe square bale from the plate member 1140 of the first platen system1104. Moreover, it will be noted that while the transfer tables 1102,1102′ are illustrated herein as comprising a single elongated transfertable 1102, 1102′, it will be understood that the transfer tables 1102,1102′ may comprise a plurality of table members coupled together, or maycomprise a shorter transfer table, if desired, based on a position andrange of motion of the discharge gate 26 of the baler 10. Further, theleading edge 1110.1 may include a polymeric member, coating or coveringto reduce friction as the leading edge 1110.1 moves along the respectivesurface 1102.1, 1102.1′. In addition, while the leading edge 1110.1 isshown and described herein as being chamfered, the leading edge 1110.1need not include a chamfer, or may include an additional member thatcooperates with the respective surface 1102.1, 1102.1′ to recompress theround bale B via sliding action. Alternatively or in addition, thesurface 1102.1, 1102.1′ may include a coating, which reduces friction onthe surface 1102.1, 1102.1′. Further, it should be noted that any one ofthe actuation systems 300, 350, 400, 616, 1122 may be employed with anyone of the bale recompression systems 100, 100′, 100″, 100′″, 500, 600,1100, 1100′ described herein. Moreover, the position of the banding unit114 illustrated herein is merely an example, as the banding unit 114 maybe positioned at any selected location in proximity to the respectiveupper platen 110, 610, 1110 and bottom platen 112, 612, 1116 to dispensewrap material 198 about a formed square bale. Thus, generally, thebottom platen 112, 612, 1116 and the upper platen 110, 610, 1110 have aplurality of banding channels, and the banding unit 114 is coupled inproximity to at least one of the bottom platen 112, 612, 1116 and theupper platen 110, 610, 1110 to dispense a plurality of banding strapsaround the square bale.

Further, it should be understood that while in certain embodiments, theupper platen 110, 610, 1110 is described herein as rotating relative tothe bottom platen 112, 612, 1116, the upper platen 110, 610, 1110 maytranslate linearly relative to the bottom platen 112, 612, 1116, ifdesired, to recompress a round bale into a square bale. Thus, generally,a system for recompressing a round bale into a square bale comprises abottom platen to receive the round bale, and an upper platen coupled tothe bottom platen, the upper platen being movable between a firstposition to receive the round bale between the bottom platen and theupper platen, and a second position in which the upper platen cooperateswith the bottom platen to recompress the round bale into the squarebale.

Alternatively, in certain embodiments, the bale recompression system1100 may have additional features or refinements. For example, withreference to FIGS. 35 and 36A-36B, a bale recompression system 1100″ isshown. As the bale recompression system 1100″ is similar to the balerecompression system 1100 discussed with regard to FIGS. 33A-33C, thesame reference numerals will be used to denote the same or substantiallysimilar components. The bale recompression system 1100″ includes atransfer table 1102″, a first platen system 1104″ and the baleaccumulator 604.

The bale recompression system 1100″ is coupled to the baler 10 formovement with the baler 10 as the baler 10 is towed by the tractor. Aswill be discussed, the bale recompression system 1100″ receives theround bale B that is discharged by the discharge gate 26, andrecompresses the round bale B into a square bale. In this example, thetransfer table 1102″ guides the round bale B from the discharge gate 26of the baler 10 into the first platen system 1104″ and cooperates withthe first platen system 1104″ to recompress the round bale B into asquare bale.

The transfer table 1102″ interconnects the baler 10 and the first platensystem 1104″. In various embodiments, the transfer table 1102″ iscoupled to the baler 10 to be in a position for the round bale B to bedropped on a surface 1102.1″ of the transfer table 1102″ when thedischarge gate 26 opens. The transfer table 1102″ receives the roundbale B and when the discharge gate 26 opens, the transfer table 1102″tilts and/or lifts the round bale B in a generally aft direction to movethe round bale B onto the first platen system 1104″. Thus, the transfertable 1102″ is movable between a first position (in which the transfertable 1102″ is substantially parallel to a ground surface) and a secondposition (in which the transfer table 1102″ is pivoted in the aftdirection).

The transfer table 1102″ includes the surface 1102.1″, which is oppositea second surface 1102.2″ and includes the first end 1102.3″ opposite thesecond end 1102.4″. The transfer table 1102″ is composed of a metal ormetal alloy, and formed via casting, forging, stamping, etc. In thisexample, the transfer table 1102″ is mounted fixedly to the supportstructure 1112″ at the second surface 1102.2″ such that the transfertable 1102″, with its support structure 1112″, is a structural assemblycapable of taking on loads from the first platen system 1104″. Thetransfer table assembly thus includes the relatively thin plate or sheettransfer table 1102″ structure defining the surfaces 1102.1″ and 1102.2″as well as the support structure 1112″, which in the illustrated exampleincludes structural braces 1112.1″. In the illustrated example, thereare four braces 1112.1″ spaced apart from one another across the widthof the transfer table 1102″. The braces 1112.1″ may be any suitablesupporting structure of any suitable cross-section (e.g., various rib,plate or beam configurations), and the braces 1112.1″ may be mountedseparately or tied together by one or more cross-members 1112.2″, asshown. In this example, the transfer table 1102″ is arcuate, and thebraces 1112.1″ have a similar arcuate contour. As noted above, thetransfer table 1102″ may take other configurations (e.g., flat) in whichcase the braces 1112.1″ may be shaped accordingly (e.g., straight). Thetransfer table assembly (i.e., the transfer table 1102″ and supportstructure 1112″) is pivotally coupled to first platen system 1104″. Inthe illustrated example, the end 1102.4″ of the transfer table 1102″ ishinged to the end 1140.2 of the bottom plate member 1140. Opposite endsof one or more actuators 1114″ mount to the frame 1120 and to thetransfer table assembly, for example, at one or more of the braces1112.2″, to pivot the transfer table assembly about the hinge line. Theactuator(s) 1114″ are responsive to the hydraulic fluid received fromthe hydraulic system to move the transfer table assembly between theposition in FIGS. 36A and 36B.

Furthermore, in one or more additional or alternative embodiments, thesurface 1102.1″ of the transfer table 1102″ does not cooperate with theleading edge 1110.1″ of the upper platen 1110″ directly as the upperplaten 1110″. Rather, a bearing member 1110.2″ is mounted to the upperplaten 1110″ to transfer loads from the upper platen 1110″ to thetransfer table assembly. Like other embodiments, the leading edge1110.1″ of the upper platen 1110″ is chamfered. By chamfering theleading edge 1110.1″, the bearing member 1110.2″ may be a flat bearingmember or skid pad mounted to the leading edge 1110.1″ to contact thesurface 1102.1″ of the transfer table 1102″ to ease sliding frictionduring the movement of the upper platen 1110″ between the positionsshown in FIGS. 36A and 36B. In the illustrated example, however, thebearing member 1110.2″ is one or more rollers mounted to the leadingedge 1110.1″ of the upper platen 1110″ to engage the surface 1102.1″ ofthe transfer table 1102″ in rolling contact. In this way, load istransferred with even less friction through rolling contact rather thansliding contact. The bearing member 1110.2″ and chamfered leading edge1110.1″ together inhibit crop from hairpinning around the upper platen1110″ as the crop is compressed. After the round bale B is receivedwithin the first platen system 1104″, the transfer table 1102″cooperates with the roller bearing member 1110.2″ at the leading edge1110.1″ of the upper platen 1110 to retain the round bale B within thefirst platen system 1104″ and to share in and thereby support the loadacting on the upper platen 1110″ during recompression. The actuator1114″ may be controlled to move from the second position to the firstposition at a rate that corresponds with a rate of a rotational movementof the upper platen 1110″ by the actuator 306 such that contact ismaintained between the roller bearing member 1110.2″ and the surface1102.1″. This coordinated movement enables the roller bearing member1110.2″ to roll along the surface 1102.1″ of the transfer table 1102″,while containing the round bale B during recompression. Thus, the balerecompression system 1100″ enables the recompression of the round bale Bwhile lessening the loading acting on the upper platen 1110″ duringrecompression. This reduces localized stress concentrations in the upperplaten 1110″, thereby reducing fatigue or failure and allowing forreduced structure (and thereby weight) requirements of the upper platen1110″ and the first platen system 1104″ overall.

In still other additional or alternate embodiments, the first platensystem 1104″ may include one or more blocking features or crop shields1150 at the joint between the upper platen 1110″ and the middle (orthird) platen 1118″. While the crop shields 1150 are shown and describedherein with respect to the bale recompression system 1100″, they couldbe used with any of previously described (and other) such systems.Referring also to FIGS. 37 and 38, the crop shields 1150 are configuredand arranged in the first platen system 1104″ so as to allow for fullfunctional movement of the upper platen 1110″ for bale recompression aswell as to block the passage of compressed crop from entering and beingpinched in the joint between the third platen 1118″ and the upper platen1110″ during recompression, which may otherwise block or interfere withthe band strap or straps placed around the recompressed bale.

In the illustrated example, the crop shields 1150 are a series ofindividual flaps or panels 1150.1 connected to the upper platen 1110″and having a length sufficient to bridge the open gap between theplatens 1110″, 1118″. The crop shields 1150 may instead be mounted tothe third platen 1118″ in certain embodiments, and a single, full-widthflap or panel may be used instead, however, multiple panels allow foropen spacing to accommodate passage of band straps onto the recompressedbale. As illustrated, each of the crop shield panels 1150.1 is hinged tothe upper platen 1110″ along a common hinge line. The hinges 1150.2 maybe free rotating and a free edge 1150.3 of the panel may slide along incontact with the third platen 1118″ during movement of the upper platen1110″ during bale recompression being biased by the crop. In otherembodiments, the hinge may be biased by a biasing member (e.g., spring)to keep the crop shields 1150 orientated across the open gap between theplatens 1110″, 1118″. Also, in the illustrated example, the panels1150.1 are rigid to withstand the force acting on them by the cropduring recompression without bending. However, in other embodiments, thepanels 1150.1 may be flexible members. Moreover, the panels 1150.1 mayhave two ends coupled to the platens 1110″, 1118″, rather than one endbeing free or uncoupled. Unjointed, rigid panels, for example, couldhave one end connected to one of the platens 1110″, 1118″ at a movablehinged or slotted connection to allow the range of pivotal motionrequired of the upper platen 1110″ during recompression. Flexiblepanels, or jointed, rigid panels, may have both ends fixed relative tothe associate platen 1110″, 1118″.

In various other embodiments, with square bales on both bale accumulatorwings 506.1, 506.2 and the upper platen 1110 of the first platen system1104 in the first position, the actuators (not shown) associated withthe bale accumulator wings 506.1, 506.2 may be actuated, based onhydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic supply of the tractor 12through the hydraulic system of the baler 10, for example. The actuationof these actuators moves the respective pivot arms, and thus, therespective bale accumulator wings 506.1, 506.2 to deposit the squarebales on a virtual trip line. As the depositing of the bales on avirtual trip line is known from commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No.9,578,811 to Kraus et al., titled “Variable Rate Discharge System forCrop Accumulator,” which is incorporated herein by reference, thedepositing of the square bales will not be discussed in detail herein.

Alternatively, in certain embodiments, when the bale accumulator wings506.1, 506.2 are not employed, the pusher 202 may be actuated to ejectthe square bale from the plate member 1140 of the first platen system1104. Moreover, it will be noted that while the transfer tables 1102,1102′, 1102″ are illustrated herein as comprising a single elongatedtransfer table 1102, 1102′, it will be understood that the transfertables 1102, 1102′, 1102″ may comprise a plurality of table memberscoupled together, or may comprise a shorter transfer table, if desired,based on a position and range of motion of the discharge gate 26 of thebaler 10. Further, the leading edge 1110.1 may include a polymericmember, coating or covering to reduce friction as the leading edge1110.1 moves along the respective surface 1102.1, 1102.1′. Similarly,bearing members (skid pads, rollers, etc.) may be mounted to the surface1102.01″ to facilitate the load transfer to the transfer table assemblyvia rolling friction. In addition, while the leading edge 1110.1 isshown and described herein as being chamfered. Alternatively, or inaddition, the surface 1102.1, 1102.1′, 1102.1″ may include a coating,which reduces friction on the surface 1102.1, 1102.1′, 1102.1″. Further,it should be noted that any one of the actuation systems 300, 350, 400,616, 1122 may be employed with any one of the bale recompression systems100, 100′, 100″, 100′″, 500, 600, 1100, 1100′ described herein.Moreover, the position of the banding unit 114 illustrated herein ismerely an example, as the banding unit 114 may be positioned at anyselected location in proximity to the respective upper platen 110, 610,1110 and bottom platen 112, 612, 1116 to dispense wrap material 198about a formed square bale. Thus, generally, the bottom platen 112, 612,1116 and the upper platen 110, 610, 1110 have a plurality of bandingchannels, and the banding unit 114 is coupled in proximity to at leastone of the bottom platen 112, 612, 1116 and the upper platen 110, 610,1110 to dispense a plurality of banding straps around the square bale.

Further, it should be understood that while in certain embodiments, theupper platen is described herein as rotating relative to the bottomplaten, the upper platen may translate linearly relative to the bottomplaten, if desired, to recompress a round bale into a square bale. Thus,generally, a system for recompressing a round bale into a square balecomprises a bottom platen to receive the round bale, and an upper platencoupled to the bottom platen, the upper platen being movable between afirst position to receive the round bale between the bottom platen andthe upper platen, and a second position in which the upper platencooperates with the bottom platen to recompress the round bale into thesquare bale.

In various embodiments, a round baler equipped with a pickup, baleformation chamber and bale binding system is provided. A formed roundbale is bound and the bale forming chamber is opened and the formedbound bale is transferred to a bale recompression chamber locatedin-line and behind said round bale forming chamber. The balerecompression chamber comprises four sides and two movable platens. Thefirst side of the chamber is stationary, and the first platen comprisesthe second and third sides of the chamber. The second and third sidesare generally or substantially perpendicular to each other and at leasta portion of the first platen moves toward the first side therebyreshaping and partially compressing the formerly formed round bale. Thesecond platen comprises the fourth side of the chamber and the fourthside moves toward one side of the first platen further reshaping andcompressing the formerly formed round bale and the recompression chamberis equipped with a binding system to bind the reshaped bale and thereshaped bale is ejected out the side of the recompression chamber. Invarious embodiments, the reshaped bales are placed on at least onecarriage located adjacent to the bale recompression chamber.

In various embodiments, a system for reshaping a round bale is provided.The system includes a first platen to receive the bale and at least asecond platen coupled to the first platen. At least one of the first orsecond platens are movable between a first position to receive the roundbale between the first platen and the second platen, and a secondposition in which the second platen cooperates with the first platen toreshape the round bale.

Also, the following examples are provided, which are numbered for easierreference.

1. A system for recompressing a round bale into a square bale,comprising: a bottom platen to receive the round bale; a movable platentranslatable relative to the bottom platen; and an upper platenrotatable relative to the bottom platen, the upper platen beingrotatable between a first position to receive the round bale between thebottom platen, the movable platen and the upper platen, and a secondposition in which the upper platen cooperates with the movable platenand the bottom platen to recompress the round bale into the square bale.

2. The system of example 1, wherein the bottom platen, the movableplaten and the upper platen have a plurality of banding channels, and abanding unit is coupled to the bottom platen or the upper platen todispense a plurality of banding straps around the square bale.

3. The system of example 1, wherein the system includes a frame havingat least one support member and the upper platen includes a first platemember and a second plate member, the first plate member rotatablycoupled to the at least one support member and the second plate memberis coupled to the first plate member.

4. The system of example 3, wherein the second plate member is oppositethe movable platen when the upper platen is in the second position.

5. The system of example 1, wherein the movable platen is translatablerelative to the upper platen.

6. The system of example 1, further comprising: a round baler having abaling chamber to form the round bale; and a transfer table coupled tothe round baler to receive the round bale, the transfer table coupled tothe bottom platen and configured to transfer the round bale to thebottom platen.

7. The system of example 6, further comprising at least one baleaccumulator wing coupled to the bottom platen and a pusher, the pusheractuatable to move the square bale from the bottom platen to the atleast one bale accumulator wing.

8. A method for recompressing a round bale into a square bale,comprising: receiving a round bale on a bottom platen; actuating, by afirst actuator, an upper platen to rotate the upper platen toward thebottom platen from a first position to a second position; and actuating,by a second actuator, a movable platen to move the movable platen towarda portion of the upper platen to recompress the round bale into a squarebale.

9. The method of example 8, wherein the receiving the round bale on thebottom platen further comprises: receiving the round bale from adischarge gate of a round baler on a transfer table; and actuating, by athird actuator, the transfer table to transfer the round bale to thebottom platen.

10. The method of example 8, further comprising: actuating, by a fourthactuator, a pusher to move the square bale from the bottom platen to atleast one bale accumulator wing coupled to the bottom platen.

11. The method of example 10, further comprising: rotating, by a fifthactuator, the at least one bale accumulator wing to deposit the squarebale onto a ground surface.

12. The method of example 8, further comprising: actuating, by a fourthactuator, a pusher to move the square bale from the bottom platen onto aground surface.

13. The method of example 8, further comprising: dispensing a bandingstrap through a first banding channel defined through the upper platen,a second banding channel defined in the bottom platen and a thirdbanding channel defined through the moveable platen to band the squarebale.

14. A round baler, comprising: a baling chamber that forms a round bale;a transfer table that receives the round bale from the baling chamber; abottom platen coupled to the transfer table to receive the round bale; amovable platen translatable relative to the bottom platen; and an upperplaten rotatable relative to the bottom platen, the upper platenrotatable between a first position that receives the round bale betweenthe movable platen, the bottom platen and the upper platen, and a secondposition in which the upper platen cooperates with the movable platenand the bottom platen to recompress the round bale into the square bale.

15. The round baler of example 14, wherein the bottom platen, themovable platen and the upper platen have a plurality of bandingchannels, and a banding unit is coupled to the bottom platen to dispensea plurality of banding straps around the square bale.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, certain aspects of thedisclosed subject matter can be embodied as a method, system (e.g., awork vehicle control system included in a work vehicle), or computerprogram product. Accordingly, certain embodiments can be implementedentirely as hardware, entirely as software (including firmware, residentsoftware, micro-code, etc.) or as a combination of software and hardware(and other) aspects. Furthermore, certain embodiments can take the formof a computer program product on a computer-usable storage medium havingcomputer-usable program code embodied in the medium.

Any suitable computer usable or computer readable medium can beutilized. The computer usable medium can be a computer readable signalmedium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer-usable, orcomputer-readable, storage medium (including a storage device associatedwith a computing device or client electronic device) can be, forexample, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical,electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, ordevice, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specificexamples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer-readable medium wouldinclude the following: an electrical connection having one or morewires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory(RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-onlymemory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compactdisc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device. In thecontext of this document, a computer-usable, or computer-readable,storage medium can be any tangible medium that can contain, or store aprogram for use by or in connection with the instruction executionsystem, apparatus, or device.

A computer readable signal medium can include a propagated data signalwith computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, inbaseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal can takeany of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to,electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. Acomputer readable signal medium can be non-transitory and can be anycomputer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage mediumand that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use byor in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, ordevice.

Aspects of certain embodiments are described herein can be describedwith reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams ofmethods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according toembodiments of the disclosure. It will be understood that each block ofany such flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinationsof blocks in such flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can beimplemented by computer program instructions. These computer programinstructions can be provided to a processor of a general purposecomputer, special purpose computer, or other programmable dataprocessing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions,which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmabledata processing apparatus, create means for implementing thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

These computer program instructions can also be stored in acomputer-readable memory that can direct a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readablememory produce an article of manufacture including instructions whichimplement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer orother programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series ofoperational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmableapparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that theinstructions which execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus provide steps for implementing the functions/acts specified inthe flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

Any flowchart and block diagrams in the figures, or similar discussionabove, can illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation ofpossible implementations of systems, methods and computer programproducts according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Inthis regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams can representa module, segment, or portion of code, which includes one or moreexecutable instructions for implementing the specified logicalfunction(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the block (or otherwisedescribed herein) can occur out of the order noted in the figures. Forexample, two blocks shown in succession (or two operations described insuccession) can, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or theblocks (or operations) can sometimes be executed in the reverse order,depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted thateach block of any block diagram and/or flowchart illustration, andcombinations of blocks in any block diagrams and/or flowchartillustrations, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-basedsystems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations ofspecial purpose hardware and computer instructions.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure.As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

Certain terminology may be used in the following description for thepurpose of reference only, and thus are not intended to be limiting. Forexample, terms such as “top”, “bottom”, “upper”, “lower”, “above”, and“below” could be used to refer to directions in the drawings to whichreference is made. Terms such as “front”, “back”, “rear”, “side”,“outboard”, and “inboard” could be used to describe the orientationand/or location of portions of the component within a consistent butarbitrary frame of reference which is made clear by reference to thetext and the associated drawings describing the component underdiscussion. Such terminology may include the words specificallymentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.Similarly, the terms “first”, “second”, and other such numerical termsreferring to structures do not imply a sequence or order unless clearlyindicated by the context.

The description of the present disclosure has been presented forpurposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to beexhaustive or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of thedisclosure. Explicitly referenced embodiments herein were chosen anddescribed in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure andtheir practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill inthe art to understand the disclosure and recognize many alternatives,modifications, and variations on the described example(s). Accordingly,various embodiments and implementations other than those explicitlydescribed are within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for recompressing a round bale into asquare bale, comprising: a bottom platen configured to receive the roundbale; a movable platen translatable relative to the bottom platen; andan upper platen rotatable relative to the bottom platen, the upperplaten being rotatable between a first position to receive the roundbale between the bottom platen, the movable platen and the upper platen,and a second position in which the upper platen cooperates with themovable platen and the bottom platen to recompress the round bale intothe square bale, wherein each of the upper platen, the movable platen,and the bottom platen comprises a plate member configured to contact theround bale to recompress the round bale into the square bale.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the bottom platen, the movable platen and theupper platen have a plurality of banding channels, and a banding unit iscoupled to the bottom platen or the upper platen to dispense a pluralityof banding straps around the square bale.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein the system includes a frame having at least one support memberand the upper platen includes a first plate member and a second platemember, the first plate member rotatably coupled to the at least onesupport member and the second plate member is coupled to the first platemember.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the second plate member isopposite the movable platen when the upper platen is in the secondposition.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the movable platen istranslatable relative to the upper platen.
 6. The system of claim 1,further comprising: a round baler having a baling chamber to form theround bale; and a transfer table coupled to the round baler to receivethe round bale, the transfer table coupled to the bottom platen andconfigured to transfer the round bale to the bottom platen.
 7. Thesystem of claim 6, further comprising at least one bale accumulator wingcoupled to the bottom platen and a pusher, the pusher actuatable to movethe square bale from the bottom platen to the at least one baleaccumulator wing.
 8. A method for recompressing a round bale into asquare bale, comprising: receiving a round bale on a bottom platen;actuating, by a first actuator, an upper platen to rotate the upperplaten toward the bottom platen from a first position to a secondposition; and actuating, by a second actuator, a movable platen to movethe movable platen toward a portion of the upper platen to recompressthe round bale into a square bale.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein thereceiving the round bale on the bottom platen further comprises:receiving the round bale from a discharge gate of a round baler on atransfer table; and actuating, by a third actuator, the transfer tableto transfer the round bale to the bottom platen.
 10. The method of claim8, further comprising: actuating, by a fourth actuator, a pusher to movethe square bale from the bottom platen to at least one bale accumulatorwing coupled to the bottom platen.
 11. The method of claim 10, furthercomprising: rotating, by a fifth actuator, the at least one baleaccumulator wing to deposit the square bale onto a ground surface. 12.The method of claim 8, further comprising: actuating, by a fourthactuator, a pusher to move the square bale from the bottom platen onto aground surface.
 13. The method of claim 8, further comprising:dispensing a banding strap through a first banding channel definedthrough the upper platen, a second banding channel defined in the bottomplaten and a third banding channel defined through the moveable platento band the square bale.
 14. A round baler, comprising: a baling chamberthat forms a round bale; a transfer table that receives the round balefrom the baling chamber; a bottom platen coupled to the transfer tableto receive the round bale; a movable platen translatable relative to thebottom platen; and an upper platen rotatable relative to the bottomplaten, the upper platen rotatable between a first position thatreceives the round bale between the movable platen, the bottom platenand the upper platen, and a second position in which the upper platencooperates with the movable platen and the bottom platen to recompressthe round bale into a square bale.
 15. The round baler of claim 14,wherein the bottom platen, the movable platen and the upper platen havea plurality of banding channels, and a banding unit is coupled to thebottom platen to dispense a plurality of banding straps around thesquare bale.
 16. The round baler of claim 14, wherein the systemincludes a frame having at least one support member and the upper platenincludes a first plate member and a second plate member, the first platemember rotatably coupled to the at least one support member and thesecond plate member is coupled to the first plate member.
 17. The roundbaler of claim 16, wherein the second plate member is opposite themovable platen when the upper platen is in the second position.
 18. Theround baler of claim 14, wherein the movable platen is translatablerelative to the upper platen.
 19. The round baler of claim 14, whereinthe transfer table is configured to transfer the round bale to thebottom platen.
 20. The round baler of claim 14, further comprising atleast one bale accumulator wing coupled to the bottom platen and apusher, the pusher actuatable to move the square bale from the bottomplaten to the at least one bale accumulator wing.